Owls Close Out 2023 With a Heartbreaker

No. 23-ranked Citrus College couldn't hold off a late fourth-quarter surge from LA Pierce and fell 75-73 in the final game of 2023.

The Owls slip to 9-5 on the year, while the Brahmas improve to 13-4 overall.

Jolleen Olia led Citrus with 20 points (8-for-21), while Kristin Morella was right on her tail with 19 points (9-for-14). Sammy Martinez led the Owls' rebounding effort with 10 boards on the night.

It came down to the final minutes of the game when LA Pierce drew late fouls that sent them to the charity stripe. The Brahmas came up clutch at the line and tied the game off two free throws with 16 seconds to play. The Owls tried to take back their lead, but LA Pierce got the rebound and banked in its next shot to jump in front with just seconds on the clock.

In the final second of the game, Citrus fired off a deep, buzzer-beating shot, but it was just off target to end the game with the 75-73 defeat.

The Owls look to regroup in the new year after adding a final non-conference game on Jan. 3 at Porterville College. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.