Orange Empire Conference Champions!!

Santiago Canyon College defeated Irvine Valley College, 76-59, and secured their first Men's Basketball Orange Empire Conference Championship in school history. In their inaugural season in 2017-18, the Hawks won 22 games, finished 3rd in the OEC, and advanced to the South Regional Final. In their second season, 2018-19, the Hawks won 20 games, finished 2nd in the OEC, and advanced to the South Regional Semi-Finals. This season, the Hawks have won a school-record 26 games and have now won their first conference championship, with playoffs starting next week. Santiago Canyon started fast in tonight's game and never looked back.  They opened the game on a 16-2 run with an attacking offense and stifling defense.  Lucas Holden was on fire to get the Hawks out to the early lead.  He led all scorers at the break with 15 points on 6 of 7 shooting, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. A.J. Garrity scored 10 points in the half, including two 3-pointers and 3 steals. The Hawks shot 53.8% from the floor and held a 41-29 advantage at the half.

Irvine Valley came out strong in the second half and cut the lead into single digits quickly.  However, Antoine Jenkins responded with a three-pointer and the Hawks quickly built their lead back to double digits. SCC continued to use their pressure defense and aggressive offense to secure the 76-59 victory. Jenkins ended the game with a game-high 20 points on 7 for 11 shooting. Garrity and Holden both finished with 18 points and combined to make 7 of the 9 three-pointers made by the team. The Hawks spread the ball around well, as shown by having 6 players with two or more assists each. They were fiesty on the defensive end as five players had 2 or more steals as well.  David Agba had another solid all around game with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.  Paul Vilela chipped in with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.   

The OEC Champion Hawks end the regular season with a 26-2 mark.  They are ranked #1 in Southern California according to the Massey Rating. The California Community College Athletic Association Playoffs start next week. Game details will be announced on Monday. SCC will most likely secure a high seed and play a home game next Saturday, February 29th.  Details will be announced on Monday.