Hawks Fall on the Road at Riverside City

Santiago Canyon traveled to Riverside to play the Tigers from Riverside City College on Thursday night.  The Hawks couldn't get a solid flow on the offensive end of the court and shot poorly throughout the game.  Riverside City was able to take advantage of the cold shooting and score a 76-72 win.  The Hawks maintained a 33-31 edge at the half as both teams battled back and forth with neither team leading by more than 7 points.  Antoine Jenkins led the Hawks in scoring in the half with 13 points, but the Hawks only managed to make two three-pointers on eleven attempts. SCC turned the ball over 8 time in the half, which is very uncharacteristic of them.  They have averaged less than 10 a game in conference play going into the game. SCC only got to the foul line twice in the first half as well. Despite the poor shooting, turnovers, and lack of foul shots, the Hawks were leading by 2 going into the second half.

The second half saw both teams make runs.  Riverside City was first as they were able to stretch their biggest lead to 12 points with about 5 minutes remaining.  However, the Hawks answered back and took a 1-point lead with under a minute to play. Riverside was able to hit 2 free throws to regain the lead and never relinquished it as they secured the four point win.  The Hawks ended the game with a season low 5 made threes on 19 attempts for 26.3%.  They also shot a season low 10 free throws on the night. On the other hand, RCC connected on 10 made threes on 21 attempts for 47.6%.  SCC was led in scoring by Jenkins with 26 points.  The Hawks other double digit scorer was Paul Vilela with 11 points. David Agba, Lucas Holden, and Paulo Araujo all scored 8 points. Agba and Vilela led the team in rebounding with 5 apiece and Vilela was team-high in assists with 6.

#2 Ranked Santiago Canyon is now 24-2 on the season and 12-2 in the OEC with 2 games to play. The Hawks still sit atop the standings and will have at least a share of a Conference Championship with 2 wins next week.  SCC plays at home vs. Santa Ana on Wednesday at 6pm and travel to Irvine Valley College on Friday for a 7pm game.