Fernandez scores 31 as Otero rallies past Southeast Community College, 82-73

LA JUNTA, Colo. — Otero College shook off a sluggish start and a double-digit first-quarter deficit to rally past Southeast Community College 82-73 on Friday evening at the McDivitt Center, riding a dominant second-half surge and a career-type effort from guard Itxasne Fernandez.

Trailing by as many as 14 points in the first quarter, the Rattlers faced a Southeast team that was nearly unstoppable from long range early, knocking down 8 of 13 3-pointers in the first half. Otero steadily chipped away, however, closing the second quarter on a sustained push to pull within 41-39 at halftime and seize the game’s momentum heading into the locker room.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. After a slow offensive start for both sides to open the half, Otero’s defense tightened and its offense began to find rhythm. The Rattlers outscored Southeast 22-12 in the period, flipping a two-point halftime deficit into an eight-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Otero’s pressure on the perimeter cooled Southeast’s outside shooting, while better ball movement created high-quality looks on the other end.

Fernandez led all scorers with 31 points, providing consistent offense throughout the comeback. The 6'2 Spaniard was effective attacking off the dribble and finishing plays created by Otero’s ball movement. Kaelani Albert-Neha added 20 points, giving the Rattlers a reliable second scoring option and helping stretch Southeast’s defense. The combination of Fernandez and Albert-Neha fueled key runs in both the second and third quarters as Otero erased the early 14-point hole.

Perimeter shooting also swung in Otero’s favor as the game progressed. Ariadna Pastor Gusta buried 5 of 6 attempts from beyond the arc on her way to 15 points, punishing Southeast whenever its defense collapsed in the lane. Her timely 3-pointers were instrumental during the decisive third-quarter stretch, spacing the floor and forcing Southeast to extend defensively, which opened driving lanes for Fernandez and Albert-Neha.

Otero’s unselfish play was reflected in the box score, as the team finished with 19 assists on the night. Candela Roy Ibaibarriaga directed the offense effectively, dishing out a team-high five assists and helping control tempo after the difficult start. Fernandez and Brooklyn Kaiser each added four assists, underscoring a balanced offensive approach in which multiple players created scoring opportunities and the ball rarely stuck in one place.

In the fourth quarter, Otero did enough on both ends to protect its eight-point cushion and close out the 82-73 victory, limiting Southeast’s clean looks from 3-point range and executing in the half court. The comeback win highlighted the Rattlers’ resilience and ball movement, with Fernandez’s scoring outburst and the team’s 19 assists standing out as central factors in turning an early deficit into a statement nonconference result.