MJC men, women split against Diablo Valley

PLEASANT HILL -- Hosting a first-round playoff game became more remote for the Modesto JC women's basketball team Tuesday after the Pirates lost to Big 8 host Diablo Valley.

The Pirates were led by Jode Johnson's 16 points. DVC's Annalise Ito, who led her team to a 9-2 run to start the second half, scored 31 points. the teams were tied, 34-34, at halftime.

"We were up 14-8 and led most of the first half," MJC coach Mike Girardi said. "We were like two different teams in the second half. We turned the ball over and they capitalized on it."

For the men, Modesto was hanging on to a one-point lead with 50 seconds left when Tashawn Mabry nailed a 3-pointer to give the Pirates some breathing room. Alex Rivera soon followed with a steal and uncontested layup as Modesto went on to win 82-75.

Mabry finished with 23 points, including four 3s, and teammate Mike Hill added 21 points.