ELAC wins 88-86 over the Palomar Comets ending their 33-game home winning streak

SAN MARCOS, Calif. — The East Los Angeles College women’s basketball team defeated Palomar College 88-86 to win the championship of the Palomar College Comet Classic in front of a rambunctious crowd.

In winning its 16th tournament title in the last six years, ELAC ended Palomar’s three-year home win streak. The two teams have met in four nail biters in four years. ELAC holds a 3-1 edge in the series.

The CCCWBCA South Region Preseason Poll No. 8-ranked East Los Angeles College improves to 8-1 overall and handed No. 5 Palomar (6-1) its first loss of the season.

ELAC guard Jennifer Pool (Legacy HS) was named the tournament MVP. Two other ELAC guards were also named to the all-tourney team, Jaelynn Curley (AZ / Ganado HS) and Dominique Godbolt (Fairfax HS).

The first quarter included eight lead changes and two ties. Pool made a layup at the first quarter buzzer and ELAC led 27-26. It was a lead the Lady Huskies would not relinquish. ELAC led 49-42 at the half. ELAC had its biggest lead in the third quarter at the 5:33 mark. Pool had swished two free throws and stole the inbounds pass dishing it to forward Jadis Watson (Lancaster HS). Watson scored on a layup. ELAC led 62-48 enroute to a 72-59 lead after three quarters.

PAW TRACKS

MVP Pool led ELAC tonight with 21 points. Her tournament totals include 20 assists and 16 steals. Pool averages 4.7 steals per game, sixth best in the state and 4.7 assists per game, 21st best in the state. Pool had a double double in ELAC’s 79-71 win over Riverside with 10 points scored and 10 assists.

Curley’s tournament totals include 42 points, 13 three-pointers and 12 assists. Curley averages 2.7 treys per game from 7.9 attempts, 13th best in the state. Godbolt’s tournament totals included two double doubles, 45 points and 32 rebounds. She has four double doubles to date.

Freshman guard Valerie Godinez, a St. Paul High School product, took advantage of her height and agility and scored 33 tourney points.

UP NEXT

ELAC plays in the 35th Annual Lady Charger Classic tournament at Cypress College, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 at the ‘Jim Thorpe House.’

It is the fourth tournament for the Lady Huskies that includes four ranked teams. In order to be the best, you must play the best.

ELAC is up against Santa Monica College (1-2), Friday, November 30th at 8 p.m. The winner will face No. 9 Cypress (2-2) or No. 12 El Camino College (2-1). The Lady Huskies could meet Palomar in the title match-up.

Follow ELAC Athletics at http://athletics.elac.edu/landing/index or on Facebook at ELAC Huskies Athletics (@elachuskiesathletics).

submitted by Tadzio Garcia