Merced ends Rams 68-game women's hoops streak

Merced College's second conquest this season of Fresno City College on the Rams' court in women's basketball carried much more historical significance Saturday.

The Blue Devils' depth trumped a 36-point performance by Fresno City's Keyora Wharry and they closed with a 44-28 rush in the second half to rally for a 70-65 victory — ending the Rams' seven-year, 68-game Central Valley Conference winning streak under coach Brian Tessler. It also stopped his 83-game league streak dating to when he was at Reedley.

Sonji Green, a sophomore center from Edison, delivered 17 points and 13 rebounds, Rogenee Russell had 17 points and nine rebounds, Trinity Washington contributed 10 points and eight assists and Presley Ringeisen scored all 10 of her points in the second half for Merced.

The Blue Devils, who beat the Rams 84-73 for the championship of the Fresno City Tournament in December, improved to 16-8 overall and 5-2 in the league.

Wharry, a sophomore from Edison, also had 16 rebounds before fouling out for Fresno City (21-3, 6-1), which is ranked second in the state and No. 1 in Northern California.

Walter Orr scored 18 points and Reedley gave up only four baskets in the second half to defeat West Hills 56-43 in a CVC men's game.