Quick start propels Gauchos into semis

The Saddleback women's basketball team opened the Gaucho Classic with a 67-48 win over San Diego Mesa College on Thursday night at the gymnasium.  The Gauchos led by 14 at the end of the first quarter in advancing to the semifinals.

Saddleback bolted out of the gate behind the hot hand of Janae Omusi.  The sophomore buried 3-of-6 three-pointers in scoring 11 first half points as Saddleback stretched the lead to 32-15 at the end of the half. 

Saddleback's defense was stifling from the outset as Mesa made just 1-of-11 shots in the opening quarter.  The Gauchos forced 17 turnovers in the opening half, turning them into 13 points.

Omusi finished with a game-high 17 points, also leading the team with eight rebounds.  Joining Omusi in double figures was Irma Ealy (15), Kiazha Ginwright (13) and Laura Tapia (13). 

Saddleback (3-1) will face San Joaquin Delta College (3-1) in the semifinals on Friday night at 7:00 PM.  The Mustangs were 76-56 winners over Santa Barbara City College.  The other semifinal will feature Irvine Valley College (3-0) and East Los Angeles College (4-0) at 5:00 PM.