PASADENA CITY HOLDS OFF SJCC IN FOURTH-QUARTER BATTLE AT MOORPARK INVITATIONAL

San José City College mounted a determined second-half comeback but fell short as Pasadena City College escaped with a 66–57 win Friday afternoon in the Moorpark College Invitational.

The Jaguars (2–1) stumbled through a cold first half but clawed back in the third quarter before Pasadena (3–1) steadied late behind a balanced effort led by guard Monica Menzies, who scored a game-high 25 points with five three-pointers.

Pasadena raced to a 23–16 lead after one quarter, fueled by Menzies' perimeter shooting and Lyndsey Valverde's three-point accuracy. The Jaguars struggled to generate offense in the second period, scoring just 4 points as Pasadena built a 41–20 halftime lead.

The second half, however, was a different story. San José City stormed out of the break with energy and precision, outscoring Pasadena 21–11 in the third quarter. Hayley Johnson powered the surge with tough drives to the basket and consistent free-throw shooting, while Synis Byrd and Daven Woodham found their rhythm in transition.

By the end of the third, the Jaguars had cut the deficit to 52–41, setting up a tense final period. SJCC trimmed the lead to single digits several times in the fourth, but Pasadena's rebounding advantage and composure at the free-throw line proved decisive.

Menzies finished with 25 points on 9-for-19 shooting and connected on five of Pasadena's eleven three-pointers. Valverde added 15 points on 4-for-10 from beyond the arc, while Kamora Fletcher anchored the Lancers inside with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Pasadena controlled the boards 48–40 and converted 71% of its free throws, going 15-for-21 from the line.

For San José City, Johnson delivered another standout performance with 24 points, shooting 9-for-19 from the field and perfect from the line (6-for-6). Woodham contributed 15 points and four steals, while Byrd finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists despite a tough 2-for-20 shooting night. Forward Kaydin Meyer added nine rebounds and six points to steady the interior defense.

The Jaguars shot 34% from the field (21-for-61) but went 0-for-9 from three-point range, unable to find perimeter consistency against Pasadena's zone defense. Still, SJCC forced 19 turnovers and battled evenly on the glass after halftime.

Pasadena's early lead and efficiency from long distance ultimately carried the day. The Lancers' 11 three-pointers offset their 31% overall shooting and helped maintain separation each time San José threatened to close the gap.

Final score: Pasadena City 66, San José City 57.