MEN'S BASKETBALL: HORNETS PREVAIL

The FC men's basketball squad prevailed over Saddleback College 50-47 in a needed Orange Empire Conference showdown Friday night.

Fullerton (7-2) is now in sole possession of second place. They are just one game back from Orange Coast College (8-1), who made their third straight comeback win tonight (96-91 OT) against Santiago Canyon College.

It was not going to be easy for the Hornets to go into the Gaucho's gym and beat a team that had edged them at home earlier this season, but Fullerton did it anyway.

The game was a battle from the opening tipoff that had a total of 13 ties and 16 lead changes. The first half even ended in a 23-23 tie.

FC turned the game in their favor with just over 3 minutes left in regulation when Vaj Rice took a pass from Khalil Stevenson and nailed a jumper putting them up 46-45. Saddleback attempted a three-pointer in their next possession and missed. Ronnie Readus was there for the rebound, and Jason Richardson pumped in a jumper putting the Hornets up by three. Isaiah Brooks' layup brought Saddleback within a point at 1 minute. With 2 seconds left, Richardson iced the game making a pair of free throws.

Vaj Rice had a big game for FC scoring a team-high 16 points with 10 rebounds. Jason Richardson put up 13 points and had 8 rebounds, while Khalil Stevenson dropped in 10 points.

Up Next: The Hornets (18-6 overall, 7-2 OEC) will play another one on the road this Wednesday, February 7th against Cypress College. Tipoff is at 7:00pm.