Christina Hilton's jumper with 1:27 left to play proved to be the game-winner for Rio Hondo College in a thrilling 55-54 come-from-behind win at Long Beach City College as part of the Crossover Challenge tournament on Wednesday night.
The victory improved the Roadrunners to 12-7 overall while Long Beach dropped to 7-11.
Rio Hondo overcame a pair of low-scoring quarters and was able to erase an eight-point deficit as the Roadrunners trailed the Vikings 47-39 to open the fourth.
Rio Hondo caught fire and outscored Long Beach 11-2 to open the final period. Kailey Gutierrez' jump shot pushed the Roadrunners ahead 50-49 at the 5:51 mark. LBCC eventually tied up the game at 53 after a free throw by De'Brianna Hampton with 2:21 to play before Hilton gave Rio Hondo the lead for good off an assist Gutierrez.
The Roadrunners survived LBCC's efforts over the final minute of the game. Hampton sank a free throw but missed her second try with 40 seconds to play and a shot at the buzzer by the Vikings' Rosalinda Taosoga missed as well.
Hilton sparked Rio Hondo to the win off the bench with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Gutierrez also had a good night with 7 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals.
Candace Black led the Roadrunners with 12 points and 8 rebounds while Amanda Lee chipped in with 10 points.
Rio Hondo closes out the Crossover Challenge on Saturday (Jan. 12) when the Roadrunners take on No. 14 state-ranked Mt. San Jacinto College in the blue bracket consolation final.