Cougars Ride Defense, Glass to Advance in NorCal Regional Opener at Skyline

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — #20 seed Taft College opened the 2026 NorCal Regional Playoffs with a statement road win Wednesday evening, using a dominant second quarter and overwhelming rebounding effort to defeat #13 Skyline College 60-47 at Skyline College.

The Cougars led wire to wire but broke the game open in the second quarter, outscoring Skyline 21-11 to build a 34-21 halftime advantage. Skyline trimmed the deficit to nine after three quarters, 46-37, but Taft closed the door in the fourth with timely scoring and more second-chance opportunities to secure the 13-point decision.

Taft's frontcourt set the tone in the opening round contest, as the Cougars controlled the glass with a 58-rebound performance that included 20 offensive boards. Forward Alesha Gordon posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, going 5-for-10 from the field while adding a block and committing just one turnover. Guard Ella Waufle led Taft in scoring with 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting and a 4-of-6 effort at the free-throw line, helping the Cougars build their early cushion.

The Cougars' decisive push came in the second quarter. After holding a 13-10 edge through one, Taft repeatedly extended possessions with offensive rebounds and converted enough inside looks to outscore Skyline by 10 in the frame. That surge gave the Cougars a 13-point lead at the break, and the defense made it stand up, limiting Skyline to 21 first-half points.

Head coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. said, "I expect their best and that's what they gave. Despite many of us being sick or overcoming a sickness, as well as one of our better guards Brooklynn Larsen not being able to participate, we managed to somehow pull it off. We're thankful and ready for the second round."
Skyline responded out of halftime, winning the third quarter 16-12 to pull within 46-37 heading into the final 10 minutes. But Taft answered with a composed fourth quarter, outscoring Skyline 14-10. Guard Jada Miller provided a steady two-way presence, finishing with eight points, five rebounds and two assists on 4-of-9 shooting, while Laila Gines contributed seven rebounds, three points and two assists despite an off shooting night. Taft's interior size and activity continued to be the difference down the stretch.

Offensively, the Cougars finished 27-of-79 from the field (34.2 percent) and 5-of-8 at the foul line (62.5 percent). Although Taft connected on just 1-of-11 attempts from beyond the arc, the Cougars compensated with relentless work on the boards and a defense that generated 12 steals and five blocks. Taft also tallied 11 assists while limiting Skyline to 47 points; Skyline's full team statistics were not available from the game file.

With the 60-47 victory in the first round of the NorCal Regional Playoffs, Taft advances and carries momentum built on defense, rebounding and balanced scoring. The Cougars will look to carry the same formula into the next round as postseason play continues. They will face off against Central Valley Conference Champions Fresno City College this Saturday in Fresno. Time has yet to be announced. Winner of the second round will advance to the third round regional playoffs playing the winner of Santa Rosa College and Hartnell College.