The MiraCosta College men's basketball team opened their season with a win against Santa Ana College by a final score of 85-68.  The Spartans were led in scoring by freshman Cody Hicks (22 points) and sophomore Buddha Boyd (18 points).  Hicks made seven field goals, two of them from behind the three point arc, and was a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line.

After leading most of the first half, Santa Ana College made a run and cut the lead to two points. Shortly after the Spartans extended the lead back to a safe margin which allowed them to seal the win. 

MiraCosta got strong contributions from many role players but none greater than those from Billy Brown and Tarail Gordon.  Brown, a 6-3 freshman from Mission Hills High School, is a tenacious worker that makes an immediate impact on the game with his effort plays.  Gordon, a freshman from El Camino High School, came off the bench in the second half and was instant offense, knocking down three 3-point shots. 

The inside presence of Aashad Womack (6-6), Brennan Merchant (6-9) and Mark Olejniczak (6-7) contributed a combined 23 points as they anchored the defense.

The Spartans will play tomorrow against Rio Hondo College at 6pm at Miramar College in the semi-finals of the Don Gehler Memorial Basketball Tournament.