Pierce women’s basketball continued their four game winning streak as they defeated the Golden West Rustlers 72-70 in the final minutes.
Defense is what brought the Brahmas to victory, while Chassen Gutierrez scored 21 points Derricka Millinghaus scored 19 and brought in 10 rebounds and forward Tijera Henry grabbed 10 rebounds and 6 points.
While Henry had some fouls against Golden West, she said she still brought energy towards her entire team.
“I was here by myself last year, I want them to have a winning mentality and we didn’t have that last season. We are more than good, we should act like it.” Henry said.
Henry said she never gives up until the final buzzer and communicates well with her teammates.
“Being the loudest person on the floor because the more we talk the more connected we are and we need to be aligned in the same secrecy” Henry said.
Head Coach Thara Innocent explains how much impact Henry brings to this team.
“She is a key asset to this team,” Innocent said. “She is very vocal, very active. She works very hard.” said Innocent.
Henry had 4 fouls and 6 points, but saved the game with two crucial blocks in the final 43 seconds.
With Golden West up by 3 points 70-67, Gutierrez rebounded Henry’s missed 3 pointer shot and created space for her jump shot. Bringing the score to 70-69 with 43 seconds left of the game.
Gutierrez said it was important that she kept her focus for the last 43 seconds of the game.
“It’s always important to honestly give it your all and leave it all out there in the court,” Gutierrez said. “You never want to have any regrets.”
In the last 20 seconds, Pierce was down 69-70 but Kayla Fisher had a defensive rebound and passed it to Gutierrez who then passed it to Millinghaus and got a jump shot to put the Brahmas ahead 71-70.
Gutierrez was fouled at the final second and added a point to bring the final score 72-70.
Gutierrez explained how she kept playing in crunch time knowing there was a lot of pressure coming into the last minute of the quarter.
“I just felt like being vocal on the court, staying positive and having that energy,” Gutierrez said. “It goes a long way with my teammates, being a leader will translate for everyone else.”
Innocent shared the team’s gameplan and mentality in the final moments.
“We just gave them the simple instructions, play hard defense,” Innocent said. “We’re not gonna let anyone come into our house and take a game away from us with one point on the clock.”
The Brahmas improved to 6-2 on the season and will take on Santa Monica College on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.
