Second-Half Surge Sends No. 8 Hawks Past Santa Ana

The No. 8 Santiago Canyon College men's basketball team found themselves trailing by seven points at halftime against Santa Ana College after shooting just over 30 percent from the floor and committing eight turnovers. However, the Hawks bounced back in the second half, outscoring the Dons by 12 points to secure a 90-85 victory.

SCC regrouped in the second half, shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor, while relying heavily on the offensive firepower of freshman EJ Bryson and sophomore Trevor Manning.

Bryson had a stellar second half, scoring 19 points and finishing a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Manning also played a key role, reaching the charity stripe 12 times and hitting 10 of those attempts. He added seven rebounds to his stat line. Manning ended the game with a 25 point and 10 rebound double-double, while Bryson finished with a game-high 29 points, along with six rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Despite trailing for most of the second half, the Hawks ignited an 11-2 run at the eight-minute mark that turned the game in their favor.

Bryson started the run with two free throws, followed by a steal and breakaway layup by freshman Colin Weems. Both teams were assessed technical fouls shortly after, and Bryson responded with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession. He continued his hot streak, adding two more free throws, and Manning chipped in with a pair of his own, bringing the score to 74-74 with five minutes left.

The Hawks took their first lead of the second half with four minutes to go, after Bryson drained a jumper. From there, the team outscored the Dons 8-2 over the next two minutes, pushing their lead to a secure margin and sealing the win.

This victory marks the fourth time this season the Hawks have won a game by five or fewer points, demonstrating their ability to close out tight contests.

Santiago Canyon finished the game with a 40.9 percent shooting mark, and despite shooting under 30 percent from beyond the arc for just the fourth time this season, the Hawks proved they can win even when their outside shooting isn't falling.