CLAREMONT, Calif. – Pacific first-year head coach Alex Brown needed just one game to earn his first win as the Boxers rallied past Pomona-Pitzer 63-59 in overtime Friday night in their 2026-27 season opener.
Sophomore Karina Franco recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds to lead Pacific, which overcame an eight-point first-quarter deficit to earn the road victory.
Brookelynn Burke added 11 points, while Jamysen Yates and Iya-Lin Betteridge contributed nine points apiece. Camryn Ngo finished with eight points, five rebounds and three assists, while Victoria Prochazka grabbed nine rebounds.
Pomona-Pitzer jumped out to an 18-10 lead after the opening quarter, but Pacific responded in the second period. The Boxers outscored the Sagehens 13-9 to head into halftime trailing 27-23.
Pacific continued its comeback in the third quarter, taking its first lead when Franco knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Boxers ahead 30-27. The teams traded baskets throughout the period, with Pacific carrying a 41-40 advantage into the fourth.
The Boxers extended their lead to 43-40 early in the fourth, but Pomona-Pitzer answered with a run to regain control. The Sagehens eventually built a 51-43 advantage with 6:38 remaining.
Pacific refused to go away, answering with a 13-2 run to take a 56-53 lead with 44 seconds remaining in regulation. Pomona-Pitzer tied the game at 57-57 on a layup with two seconds remaining but missed a potential go-ahead free throw.
In overtime, Franco took charge, scoring all six of Pacific's points. After Pomona-Pitzer opened the extra period with a basket to take a 59-57 lead, Franco tied the game with a pair of free throws before giving the Boxers the lead with a layup with 34 seconds remaining. She added two more free throws to seal the 63-59 victory.
Next:Â Pacific continues its Southern California road trip Sunday, visiting La Verne for an 11 a.m. tipoff.
For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on Instagram and Twitter.
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