Salt Lake Community College had 4.1 seconds after a missed free throw by Central Arizona College (CAC) but the clock ran out for the Bruins, and a terrific season ended on a final score of 63-61.
Mercedes Riggs hit a 22-foot jump shot that gave the Bruins an early 19-13 lead half way through the first. The game featured four ties, and 10 lead changes in the first half alone.
The second half began with CAC up 33-30. SLCC fought back like they have done all season and took the lead back at 57-53 following a shot by Britney Johnson with just over 4:00 minutes left to play.
The Bruins held a six point lead after Bella Swan scored with 2:58 to play, but CAC rallied back with five straight points, and added a pair of free throws to narrow the gap. With 51 seconds to play Cassidy Fraughton took the ball to hole for a layup to SLCC a three point lead; CAC answered with a three pointer to tie the game at 61-61. A late turnover doomed the Bruins bid for the Elite Eight.
Johnson led the Bruins with 12 points and six boards on the night, as Summer Yack finished the game with 11 points and two assists. Bella Swan had a double double on the night with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Fraughton also ended the game with a double double of 10 points and 11 boards.
Head Coach Betsy Specketer and the Bruins won a Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) Co-Championship, finished as Region 18 runner-up and advanced to the ‘Sweet 16’ of the NJCAA National Tournament.
