Modesto JC builds big lead, holds on for first Big 8 win

There it was Friday night, for 16 delicious minutes – the kind of form that could carry the Modesto Junior College Pirates through the Big 8 Conference season.

The Pirates teased a crowd of about 300 at MJC with a top-tier run engineered by freshman guard Mason Washington and sophomore guard Zack Gonzales. They hit their shots, defended and didn’t back off Sacramento City on the boards, and it was enough for a 69-57 Big 8 victory.

And about Modesto’s nervy finish? The Pirates (7-7, 1-1 Big 8) would rather focus on the result, thank you.

“Bottom line, we got the win,” coach Paul Brogan said. “JC basketball at its finest. A lot of ups and downs.”

MJC dazzled with its ups. From the 13:39 mark of the first half until 17:30 remained in the game, Modesto reversed a 15-12 deficit into a 51-25 lead. Washington finished with 24 points, but all four his three-pointers – the Pirates had 10 triples – came during the pull-away.

“It came from defense,” Washington said. “That was the focus for us.”

Cosumnes River lit up Modesto for 94 points Tuesday night, thus the Pirates’ emphasis. It clearly was the right idea, given the fact Sacramento (9-7, 1-1) was held far below its 78-point average.

Those torrid minutes must encourage the Pirates in what appears to be a wide-open Big 8 race. When they’re good – with Washington scorching defenses and 6-foot-7 Michael Hatfield (15 points) working hard in the paint – they’re a hard puzzle to solve.

Which made the final 17:30, however, equally puzzling.

Rather than put away the game, Modesto relented while Sac extended its defense from baseline to baseline. The Panthers also denied Washington touches, which forced Modesto to trigger its offense elsewhere. The Pirates’ offense nearly stopped while the Panthers gained confidence.

The lead melted to 63-55 with 3 1/2 minutes left when Washington – flashing the kind of athleticism that made him a star at Modesto Christian – blocked a fast-break layup and pulled down the rebound. Sac City’s momentum drained away.

“My mindset was, ‘I’m not going to let you get it,’ ” Washington said.

From that point, free throws by Hatfield and Washington, along with a Washington breakaway layup, escorted Modesto from danger.

“I think we were getting careless. We can be better,” Washington said. “Our defense was the difference.”

Gonzales picked up nine of his 11 points during Modesto’s first-half rally. Arnie Vargas scored Sac City’s first nine points and finished with 18.

Modesto remains at home Tuesday night against Sierra (5-10, 1-1), which defeated San Joaquin Delta 96-81 on Friday night.

Women

Sac City 79, MJC 40 in Modesto – Akaysha Simpkins, MJC’s 6-foot freshman, averages a state-leading 15.8 rebounds per game. She’s asked to do a lot more than rebound for the Pirates (3-10, 0-2), however, who fell to Sacramento City.

Simpkins, who matched up against the Panthers’ leading scorer, Jessica Lauderdale, managed a season-low nine rebounds to go with her 15 points, six steals and three blocks. The former Enochs High star scored three points, Modesto’s third-quarter total, while the Panthers (13-4, 1-1), broke the game open by running off 20 straight.

“I’m not used to guarding guards. I’m getting used to it,” Simpkins said.

Modesto’s task this night wasn’t easy. Sacramento, motivated after a 53-52 overtime loss to Sierra earlier in the week, had 161 three-point baskets – second-best in the state, entering the game. The Pirates, lacking quickness against the Panthers, stayed in man-to-man defense while Sac threaded them for eight layups and a 36-24 halftime lead.

“We had a better second half,” Sac second-year coach Julia Allender said. “We tried on defense to keep the ball out of the paint and limit second chances.”

The Pirates labored on offense while Sacramento, paced by Jasmine Bernardo with 19 points and Aleea Reese with 18, connected for 13 triples. Lauderdale finished with 14 points.

“Akaysha is our best defender,” MJC coach Mike Girardi said. “That took away some of her rebounding.”

Modesto, appearing at home for only the second time this season, missed several times from point-blank range.

“We just kept on missing shots. I don’t think it was nerves,” Simpkins said. “We’re always excited to be at home.”

Camille Flores had eight points for Modesto.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 10:54 PM with the headline "Modesto JC builds big lead, holds on for first Big 8 win."