#3 Hawks Fall Short in Overtime to #2 Fullerton

The Santiago Canyon College Men's Basketball Team traveled to Fullerton College for a showdown of two undefeated teams on Monday night.  Fullerton was ranked #2 in the state and SCC was ranked 3rd based on the CCCMBCA Poll.  40 minutes was not enough to settle this game as both teams were tied at 61 at the end of regulation.  In overtime, Fullerton hit some key shots and free throws to secure the win by the score of 71-65.  SCC had an uncharacteristically low percentage shooting night and had several shots fall in and out.  The Hawks shot just 31.5% from the floor and 24.4% from the three-point line.  Despite the poor shooting and some foul trouble, the Hawks were in the game throughout with a chance to win the game.

SCC and Fullerton both started the game fast as they exchanged baskets at both ends.  It was a one possession game for the first 10 minutes of the game, but then the Hawks went on a run and held a 28-19 lead with about 8 minutes to go in the half.  Fullerton responded with some timely shots as SCC battled through foul trouble in the first half.  Fullerton took advantage as they cut the lead to two, 29-27, at the half.  Antoine Jenkins led the Hawks in scoring in the first half with 9 points and A.J. Garrity chipped in with 6 points on two made three-pointers.  Paul Vilela secured 5 rebounds and dished out 3 assists in the half.

Fullerton started the 2nd half strong and took the lead within the first 3 minutes of play.  The Hornets managed to gain a 9-point lead of their own, but the Hawks battled back.  With Fullerton leading 61-58 and 20 seconds to play, Jenkins stole the ball and dished to Vilela who nailed a 3-point shot to tie the game.  Fullerton came back and missed a shot at the basket, SCC rebounded the ball, but then threw an errant pass to give the ball back to the Hornets.  Fullerton had one more chance to win it in regulation, but couldn't get a clean look at the basket sending the game into overtime.  In overtime, SCC had some open looks at the rim, but couldn't convert early, while Fullerton finished strong inside to capture the win.  Jenkins led the Hawks in scoring with 20 points, while Garrity finished with 15.  Lucas Holden and Vilela both contributed 10 points. David Agba led the way in rebounding with 9 and Vilela had 6 steals on the night.  The Hawks will look to bounce back on Wednesday night as they host Riverside City at 6:00pm.