American River College’s women’s basketball team was held to only 16 points in the second half Tuesday, losing to San Joaquin Delta College 76-46 despite ARC guard Jazlynne Macklin’s game-high 19 points.
SJDC started the second half playing high pressure defense, and ARC struggled to score or get into an offensive flow against the 12th overall ranked team in the state.
“(We’re) playing against one of the best defense teams in the conference,” said ARC head coach J.R. Matsunami.
The loss kept ARC winless at home this season, dropping them to 0-5.
Despite the sloppy start, several turnovers, and high foul count for both teams, the first half was high scoring, with SJDC leading 35-30 over ARC at halftime.
Macklin led the attack for ARC, going a perfect 11-11 from the free-throw line in the first half.
“I’ve always been a driver, it (has) always been my go to,” said Macklin.
“If I can’t get the lay up, just get the foul.”
The score remained close through the first half as ARC repeatedly drove to the basket, drawing multiple fouls against SJDC for 17 of its 30 first half points.
Although the good start in the first half, ARC fell short in the second half.
SJDC’s defense came out strong with full court press to nullify ARC’s attack, and dominated until the game’s finish.
Macklin was unable to score during the second half, and no ARC player had more than four points after the break.
Matsunami spoke of some of her players being sick in recent days, and that fatigue may have factored into the second half performance.
SJDC led by as much as 34 points in the game, and had extended to double digits after only five minutes of play in the second half.
“(In the) first half we had energy, our defense was great. One person put their head down and then everyone. It’s like a domino effect,” Macklin said.
Matsunami agreed with Macklin when describing how the players didn’t move as much during that second half.
“(The players were) impatient and tired,” said Matsunami. “(They didn’t) set screens or move from their spot.”
