TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (Friday, December 8, 2023) – Salt Lake overcame its worst shooting performance of the season, using 26 made free throws to upend Otero 66-56.

The Bruins improved to 8-4 with their fourth straight victory.

"This was the first game that we truly went in a shooting rut," head coach Marcilina Grayer said. "I feel our team handled the adversity and frustration of that well! They understood that we MUST get to the rim and be tough in all areas of the game."

SLCC finished the game shooting 28.3 percent from the field but survived thanks to a 26-of-33 performance at the free-throw line. Before this game, the Bruins hadn't attempted more than 20 free throws or made more than 14 in a game this season. Both totals are the most for a Bruins team since 2013 when SLCC made 27-of-40 FT against South Mountain College.

Heaven Samayoa-Mathis and Ines Gnahore combined to make just 8-of-27 shots from the field but made hay at the free-throw line. The pair combined to hit 18-of-24 freebies, leading SLCC with 17 points each. Samayoa-Mathis added a team-high five rebounds and three assists.

Mia Tarver added 13 points with Bati Assefa coming off the bench to score ten points. 

"I was extremely proud of them. I told them there will be games that we don't shoot as well, and when that comes we must do the small things that lead to scores." 

Salt Lake wraps up the Otero Tournament with an afternoon tip against Trinidad State JC on Saturday, December 9. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. (MT). Find tickets for all Salt Lake Community College events here. 

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