LJ g BB: A second look

The Vikings' Kat Kurtchi (10) with her teammates
in the huddle with Coach Darice Carnaje
before the game.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
 

By Ed Piper

In La Jolla's spirited 16-point comeback to beat Southwest (El Centro), 41-39, in the Coronado Tournament Fri., Nov. 23, senior Kat Kurtchi made some crucial shots in the closing seconds.

With 24.0 seconds left, the 5'10" guard, after air-balling a three-point attempt shortly before, canned a long-range shot from outside the right elbow of the lane. Kurtchi, showing patience, slipped behind teammate Brooke Strowbridge's screen to have separation for the trey.

That brought the Vikings to within three, 39-36, of the Raiders, who had led from the start of the game.

The aggressive Kurtchi, unafraid to mix it up in traffic, made a steal, but missed a layup under pressure after her earlier three-point attempt, before the crucial make at 24 seconds.

La Jolla's press forced Coach Enrique Cervantes' attack to cough up another turnover, and Kat scored on a layup off the steal and was fouled.

She made the free throw.

Coach Darice Carnaje's team was tied for the first time in the game, 39-all. Time on the clock: 16.5 seconds.

On the inbounds pass, under pressure, Southwest passed the ball directly to Viking Katie Nguyen, standing in the lane just inside the baseline. The senior banked the ball in with 14.3 remaining. La Jolla now enjoyed its first lead the entire game, 41-39.

Southwest moved the ball downcourt and got the ball out of bounds at 6.4.

Cervantes called a timeout with 6.1 left.

The Vikings held on, and Nguyen got congratulated by teammates for her winning shot.

But it was Kurtchi, with her two baskets and free throw near the conclusion, who played a critical role in making the come-from-behind win possible .