Diamond Bar, CA – In an electrifying showdown Tuesday night, Rancho Cucamonga defeated Diamond Bar, 41-40, in a dramatic season opener that came down to the final seconds.
Rancho Cucamonga opened strong, claiming a 17-14 lead after the first quarter. Diamond Bar roared back in the second, fueled by standout performances from #32 Jalyn Winston and #22 Kaitlyn Dila, briefly taking the lead. However, Rancho Cucamonga regained control, heading into halftime with a narrow 21-20 advantage.
The third quarter saw a surge from Diamond Bar, with #24 Erika Liang leading the charge through consecutive baskets and a clutch three-pointer. Rancho Cucamonga battled back to tie the game at 31-31 before Diamond Bar reclaimed a one-point lead, 34-33, to close the quarter.
In a nail-biting fourth quarter, Diamond Bar extended their lead with well-timed three-pointers, but Rancho Cucamonga’s determination proved decisive. A critical three-pointer and clutch free throws in the final minutes propelled Rancho Cucamonga to a hard-fought victory.
Key players for Rancho Cucamonga delivered under pressure, showcasing their ability to perform in high-stakes moments. Despite the narrow loss, Diamond Bar demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience, promising an exciting season ahead.
The Brahmas will return Thursday night at home for a matchup against Calvary Chapel.
