(Torrance, CA) Trailing 59-58 late in the fourth quarter, a three-point play by Aujanae Mayes with 1:17 left to play was the spark Mt. SAC (14-5) needed to outlast College of the Canyons, 66-62, at El Camino College on Friday. The win gives the Mounties third place in the Crossover Challenge Tournament's blue bracket.

Down the stretch, Canyons (13-9) pulled to within one, 63-62, on a pair of free throws with 24 seconds on the clock, but Mayes responded with three free throws of her own to secure the victory, 66-62.

Natalia Shpegel led Mt. SAC with 17 points while teammate Mya Victor contributed 12 off the bench. Lauryn Manns pitched in with nine points to round out the Mounties' leading scorers.

Jade Hughes and Tiana Douglas led Mt. SAC in rebounding with 14 and eight, respectively, while Victor grabbed seven. Mayes finished with eight points and six assists in the winning effort.

Canyons' Alexis Orellana led all scorers with 30 points. 

Though outshot from the field and free throw line, the Mounties outrebounded the Cougars, 46-29, and outscored them in the paint, 36-24. Mt. SAC's bench also dominated Canyons' in scoring, 25-4.

The game involved eight ties and seven lead changes.

Winners of six of their last seven and eight of their last 10, the Mounties will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 23, in a South Coast Conference North Division matchup at Los Angeles Trade Tech (17-2) at 7 p.m.

In the Jan. 7 state rankings, Trade Tech was ranked No. 5 and the Mounties No. 11.

Follow Mt. SAC Women's Basketball on twitter @MtSAC_WBKB

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on twitter @MtSAC_athletics or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.