Pierce Goes Long, Comes Up Short

Pierce College almost overcame a three-touchdown deficit, only to fall to Santa Barbara, 45-40, in a Western State Conference game at Pierce on Saturday.

Dan McMullen completed 19 of 35 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Brahmas (0-7, 0-2), who trailed, 35-14, at halftime.

Pierce has lost 15 straight over two seasons.

The Brahmas closed to within 38-33 on a 65-yard pass play from McMullen to Vic Cardenas early in the fourth quarter, but Santa Barbara (5-2, 1-1) scored on its next possession.