Tacoma Secures First Conference Win Against Pierce

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Tacoma (1-20, 1-4) defeated Pierce (1-18, 0-5), 66-58, with a decisive 22-point fourth quarter to secure their first conference win of the season. TCC forced 23 turnovers and recorded 15 steals, capitalizing on Pierce's errors for 18 points off turnovers.

The game began with Pierce taking an early lead, as Martha Jessop scored consecutive jumpers, assisted by Tia Schanbeck, to put them ahead 4-0. TCC responded with a strong performance from beyond the arc, led by Lanasha Lacy's trio of three-pointers, which helped TCC take a 12-8 lead. Pierce regained momentum as Jessop made a crucial jumper at the minute mark, assisted by Maesha Muaau, giving Pierce a narrow 15-14 advantage. However, Jasmeen Kaur and Laney Green's free throws in the final seconds allowed TCC to reclaim a 17-15 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Pierce emerged from the second quarter with a 17-11 advantage over TCC, fueled by an efficient shooting performance, hitting 8 of 15 field goals. Malea Berridge contributed key points, including a three-pointer with help from Alicia-Ellalynn Soliai. Lacy highlighted TCC's efforts with back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the gap, and her free throws at the seventh minute gave TCC a temporary lead of 26-20. However, Pierce rallied back, capitalizing on TCC's turnovers, with Jessop and Adhau Chol scoring crucial baskets to regain control. The quarter concluded with Laney Green's jumper for TCC, setting the halftime score at 32-28 in favor of Pierce.

In the third quarter, TCC mounted an impressive comeback to outscore Pierce 16-10. Ikunaday Filipe opened TCC's scoring with a jumper, narrowing Pierce's lead. Josephine Matau tied the game at 32 with her jumper and Lacy's three-pointer gave TCC a slight edge early in the third quarter. Kaur further extended TCC's lead with a critical three-pointer and a jumper late in the quarter pushing the score to 44-42 by the end of the quarter. Pierce's Jane Wanjiku and Berridge contributed key points, but TCC's defensive pressure and timely scoring secured their lead going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, TCC overcame an early tie at 44-44 with a three-pointer from Lacy. Lacy continued her impact with another three-pointer two minutes in, assisted by Kaur, pushing TCC's lead to 50-44. Filipe contributed significantly, scoring multiple crucial jumpers extending TCC's lead to 64-55. Despite Pierce's efforts to close the gap, TCC maintained control and secured a 66-58 victory, marking their first win of the season.

Tacoma Top Performers

Lanasha Lacy
----------------------
- 32 points
- 10 3-pointers
- 4 rebounds

Ikunaday Filipe
----------------------
- 16 points
- 8 rebounds
- 3 steals

Jasmeen Kaur
----------------------
- 8 points
- 6 assists
- 2 steals

TCC improved to 1-20 overall and 1-4 in conference play following the 66-58 victory. Pierce is now 1-18 overall and 0-5 in conference competition.

In their next game, TCC will face Highline on Wednesday, Jan 28. As the home team, TCC will look to capitalize on their familiar surroundings. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

Go Titans!