Local Digest: 11 triples not enough – Modesto JC drops Big 8 opener

The Modesto Junior College men’s basketball team drew a tough assignment to open the Big 8 Conference season – a trip to Santa Rosa, home of the reigning state champion.

There would be no upset Tuesday night.

The Pirates (3-10, 0-1), despite a season-high 11 three-pointers and 22 points by Blake Terry, trailed throughout the game and were beaten by the Bear Cubs 77-65. Santa Rosa (8-7, 1-0) was paced by Humboldt State transfer Parker Farris with 22 points and sophomores Corey Hammell with 17 points and Davone Oliver with 15. Santa Rosa connected on 16 triples.

Modesto returns home for a Big 8 game Friday at 5:30 p.m. against Sacramento City, which was beaten by American River 61-60.

Claim Jumpers open – Columbia (9-6) begins Central Valley Conference action tonight at Sequoias (7-9) in Visalia.

Women’s basketball

Competitive loss – MJC (1-11, 0-1) held narrow leads through much of the game before it fell at Santa Rosa 43-32. The Bear Cubs (7-8, 0-1), Big 8 champs three years in a row before a runner-up finish last season, broke open the game with a 13-4 run midway through the second half.

The Pirates, who managed only four field goals in the second half, were led by Brianna McGinness with 11 points.

This story was originally published January 6, 2015 at 10:46 PM with the headline "Local Digest: 11 triples not enough – Modesto JC drops Big 8 opener."