San José City College Jaguars roll past Gavilan College, 92–34, behind Byrd’s 41-point outburst
GILROY, Calif. — Synise Byrd put on a shooting clinic Friday night, and San José City College followed her lead with one of its most complete performances of the season.
Byrd poured in 41 points, including 11 three-pointers, as San José overwhelmed Gavilan, 92–34, racing out to an early lead and never letting up in a Coast Conference women's basketball matchup.
San José (24 points in the first quarter) set the tone immediately with defensive pressure and quick ball movement, building a 57–16 halftime advantage and giving the rotation extended minutes in the second half.
Byrd was nearly automatic from deep, finishing 15 of 20 from the field and 11 of 15 beyond the arc while adding 10 assists and six rebounds, accounting for more than half of the Jaguars' offense either by scoring or setting up teammates.
Hayley Johnson controlled the paint with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Ember Navarro added eight points and five boards. Daven Woodham chipped in eight points and eight assists, helping San José rack up 30 assists on 39 made baskets.
The Jaguars' balance showed everywhere. Kaydin Meyer contributed nine points and four steals, and Luciana Ortiz handed out six assists off the bench as San José shot 59 percent from the field and 59 percent from three-point range.
Defensively, the Jaguars swarmed. Gavilan struggled to find clean looks, shooting 23 percent overall and just 4 of 32 (12.5 percent) from beyond the arc. San José forced 18 turnovers and limited second chances, winning the rebounding battle 41–25.
Emiliana Bejarano led Gavilan with 14 points, but the Rams never recovered from San José's early surge. The Jaguars led 24–8 after one quarter, 57–16 at halftime, and extended the margin to 84–25 entering the fourth.
By then, the outcome was settled, and San José's bench closed the game with the same defensive intensity that defined the night. For the Jaguars, it was a performance that reflected both firepower and discipline: crisp passing, relentless defense, and a star guard who couldn't miss when it mattered.
San José returns home next week looking to carry the momentum into the heart of conference play.
