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San Joaquin Delta College

Mustangs Mount Historic Comeback for first ever State Championship Title

Mustangs Mount Historic Comeback for first ever State Championship Title
Recap Box Score
March 16, 2026
KEY STATS:
• San Joaquin outscored MiraCosta 46-28 in the second half.
• The Mustangs shot 42.4% from the field and 78.9% from the free-throw line.
• San Joaquin recorded 20 assists on 28 made field goals, demonstrating strong ball movement.
• The Mustangs grabbed 37 rebounds, including 14 by La Ne' Dunn.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Aaliyah Youngblood
Youngblood led the Mustangs with 20 points on 7-of-20 shooting from the field, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. She also dished out a team-high 6 assists and earned MVP honors for the State Championship for her outstanding performance.
 
The San Joaquin Delta Mustangs made history on March 15, 2026, securing their first-ever State Championship title with a thrilling 76-71 victory over MiraCosta. The Mustangs overcame a significant early deficit, showcasing remarkable resilience and offensive firepower in their comeback bid. MiraCosta surged ahead in the first quarter, outscoring San Joaquin 29-11, and maintained a 43-30 lead at halftime. However, the Mustangs steadily chipped away, winning the second, third, and fourth quarters to clinch the championship.
 
San Joaquin's second-half surge was fueled by exceptional performances from several key players. Aaliyah Youngblood, who earned MVP honors for the State Championship, led the team with 20 points on 7-of-20 shooting, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, while also dishing out 6 assists. Fajr Cuthbertson was incredibly efficient, contributing 19 points on an outstanding 7-of-8 from the field and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. Marcelina Chaparro provided a crucial spark off the bench with 13 points, nailing 3 of her 4 three-point attempts, and La Ne' Dunn dominated the boards with 14 rebounds.
 
The Mustangs' collective effort in overcoming the 13-point halftime deficit underscored their championship mentality. They outscored MiraCosta 19-14 in the second quarter, 22-15 in the third, and 24-13 in the decisive fourth quarter to complete the comeback. This historic victory marks a monumental achievement for the San Joaquin Delta Women's Basketball program, culminating in their first State Championship.