Andersen, Sauseda lead I.V.C. over Griffs

By Adam Paul
Updated: February 10, 2024

2023-24 GROSSMONT COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

By Adam Paul

FLETCHER HILLS – The desert warriors charged into the Griffins’ lair Friday night (Feb. 9) on a four-game winning streak and won going away, 60-50, but the game was much more tightly fought than the final score indicates.

Grossmont won the first quarter 9 to 8, had a four-point lead in the second, and won the third quarter 20 to 17, shooting 58% of their field goals (7 for 12) and 75% at the free throw line (6 for 8), but the Desert Warriors scoring surged at the end of the second, taking a seven-point lead into halftime.

Imperial Valley College also finished the game strong, shooting 86% at the free throw line in crunch time (6 for 7) in the fourth and 78% at the charity stripe for the game.

Good team defense and made freethrowing wins games.

The Desert Warriors were led by sophomore guard Orian Andersen, shooting 7 for 9 from the field, 2 for 3 from beyond the arch, and 7 for 8 from the free throw line, leading all scorers with 23 points. Andersen also pulled down 9 rebounds and had 2 assists and steals.

Andersen was strongly supported by freshman guard Carolina Sauceda, scoring 19 points, dishing out 5 assists, and capturing 6 rebounds.

The Griffins’ freshmen Brielle Gefrom (12 points and 8 rebounds) and Pohai Basso (11 points) kept the Griffins close for most of the game. Mia Maglalang (6), Sterling Edwards (5), Allira Martin (7), and Janea Wilson (6) chipped in big baskets and provided tough team defense, causing 22 Desert Warrior turnovers, but their valiant efforts on defense could not withstand the final siege of the IVC Desert Warriors.

The Grssmont Griffins play the Southwestern Jaguars at 7 PM on Valentine’s Day at the Grossmont College gymnasium. The men play Cuyamaca at 5 PM. No sweeter Valentine than back-back men’s and women’s community college basketball games.