Keiona Mathews scored a COC-record 45 points in the Lady Cougars conference opener.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Keiona Mathews broke a school record, turning in 45 points on Wednesday night and the Cougars dropped LA Pierce College 98-86 in both teams conference opener at the Cougar Cage. With the victory, COC improved to 7-9 and 1-0 in conference play.

Mathews broke a 25-year old school record that was formerly held by Tressie Millender, who scored 44 points against Allan Hancock in 1988. Mathews, who scored 25 of her 45 points in the first half, shot 42.4 percent (14-33) from the field and was 4-of-8 from the 3-point line. She also added 14 rebounds, six assists and a steal on the night.

By the 5:44 mark of the first quarter, Canyons had built a 36-26 lead over the visiting Pierce Brahmas, but an 18-10 run from the visitors brought the team within two of Cougars, 46-44, going in to the halftime break.

COC dominated the second half, leading for most of the final 20 minutes. Pierce tied it up at 61 at the 11:02 mark after a Shayla Washington jumper, only to see the Cougars explode for a 15-2 run to take back the lead 76-63 with 7:36 left in regulation. Pierce came as close as six points at 2:15, but Mathews and Shawn Kolani combined for eight points over the next 1:15.

Kolani added 23 points and 10 assists on the night, while Ashley Oliver and Nayiri Aslanian had 13 points apiece.

The Cougars shot 43.2 percent (35-81) from the field and held Pierce to 34.1 percent (30-88).

Canyons will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 11 as they travel to Santa Barbara City College for another conference match up at 5 p.m.