SMCC Women's Basketball Falls to Air Force Prep

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College women's basketball team (5-15) lost 83-38 to Air Force Prep in a non-conference contest at the SMCC Gym on Jan. 25. SMCC jumped out to an 18-13 lead after 10 minutes, but the Huskies clamped down and limited the Cougars to 20 points over the next three quarters. 

Sophomore Rahimeh Salaam helped SMCC get out to a quick start as she scored eight points and had two rebounds in the first frame. Fellow sophomore Auak Jok had five points, two rebounds, and one assist in the period. Sophomore Leslie Aguirre had two points and three assists, while freshman Sadie Gardner totaled three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the opening frame. 

From there, Air Force Prep clamped down defensively and pulled away for the victory. SMCC shot 27 percent (17 of 63) from the field and added 36 rebounds, 12 assists, seven steals, and one block in defeat. 

Jok and freshman DeeDee Medlock led SMCC with nine points apiece. Jok finished with a team-high seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal, and Medlock totaled three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 18 minutes off the bench. 

Aguirre finished with six assists, five rebounds, and two points in 32 minutes, and sophomore Valery Velazquez added five points off the bench in 14 minutes.