Suns Win 9th Straight, Secure Program-Best 16th Victory

JACKSONVILLE, Texas – Dallas College Cedar Valley's seventh-ranked women's basketball team beat host Jacksonville College for the second time this season, 71-58, Saturday to sweep the season series.

Cedar Valley (16-5) set a program record for wins in a season, bettering last year's mark of 15.

The Suns improved to 4-5 against National Junior College Athletic Association Division I or II opponents, winning the last three games, including the home-and-home series with Jacksonville.

Cedar Valley will play Joliet Junior College (14-15) for the NJCAA Division III Central District title 5 p.m. Friday in Joliet, Illinois.

In Saturday's regular season finale, the Suns opened a seven-point lead after the first period. Jacksonville (2-22) pulled within three at halftime after outscoring Cedar Valley, 19-15, in the second quarter. But the Suns jumped on the Jaguars in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 56-40 after holding Jacksonville to eight points in the period.

Suns guard Mia Thomas finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and three steals. She was 9 of 14 from the field. Deja Thomas had 14 points, 10 assists and three steals. She hit six of 12 field goals. Carmela Hayden had 11 points, eight assists, six boards and two steals.

Ciana Fudzie finished with six points, 12 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Courtney McIntyre had six points, five rebounds and three blocks.

The Suns shot 46 percent, hitting 27 of 59 field goals. They were 8 of 18 from the 3-point line for 44.4 percent. 

The victory is Cedar Valley's ninth straight win. That is one off the program record, which was set in 2018-19 when the Suns won 10 in a row to close the season.