Cacti Execute to Perfection Late, Secure Second Place with Thrilling Win

In a game with major conference implications, the Copper Mountain College Women's Basketball team delivered in the biggest moment of the night. With six seconds remaining and the score hanging in the balance, the Fighting Cacti executed a perfectly drawn-up play out of a timeout to secure a dramatic victory over Victor Valley and take firm control of second place in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference (IEAC).

Following a clutch timeout by Head Coach Kris Groce, the Cacti advanced the ball and inbounded from under their own basket with six seconds left. Coach Groce diagrammed a sideline-out-of-bounds set designed to create multiple options, and his team executed it flawlessly.

Mailana Mattos triggered the inbound pass to Kaylee Walters on the wing. Walters initially looked to swing the ball but quickly recognized the defense overplaying the action. She reversed the ball back to the corner, where Mattos had stepped inbounds, squared her shoulders, and confidently knocked down the three-point shot with just two seconds remaining.

The Bell Center erupted as the shot splashed through the net.

Victor Valley immediately called a timeout and advanced the ball, hoping to answer. However, the Cacti defense stood tall. The play the Rams drew up was smothered by Copper Mountain's disciplined coverage, and Victor Valley was unable to get the basket they needed as time expired.

The win carried added weight, as the matchup was for sole possession of second place in the IEAC standings. With the victory, Copper Mountain now holds a firm grasp on the number two spot in conference play.

The Fighting Cacti continue to demonstrate poise, execution, and trust in critical moments—hallmarks of a team preparing for postseason basketball.

Copper Mountain returns to action this Saturday at 1:00 PM when they host Chaffey College inside the Bell Center.