MEN'S BASKETBALL: LOST A CLOSE ONE

The Hornets fought hard on the road Wednesday night, but could not seal the victory losing in a close one to Santa Ana College 64-62.

The win improves the Dons to 9-8 overall and 1-1 in the Orange Empire Conference, while Fullerton falls to 2-16 overall and 0-3 in the OEC.

Ultimately, it was the Dons third win over an Orange Empire Conference opponent, but first in conference competition. The Dons have also defeated Riverside City College and Cypress College, but those wins came in non-conference tournaments earlier in the season.

Tonight's game proved to be a back-and-forth affair with seven ties and 15 lead changes. Fullerton held the largest lead of the game, seven points, nearly halfway through the second half. The Hornets continued to lead until the 7:10 mark.

With Fullerton leading 55-52, SAC's Chris Kapano hit back-to-back baskets to put the Dons up 56-55 with 7:10 remaining in the game. Fullerton would come back to tie the game at 59-59, and again at 61-61, but Kapano hit another basket sealing the FC's fate.

Kapano's jumper from the top of the key with 1:19 left put the Dons on top for good at 63-61. After the two teams traded free throws, Fullerton had one final look at a three-pointer in the game's final 10 seconds. But the Hornets attempt was off and the Dons held on to win.

Kapano led all scorers with 20 points followed by former Hornet Ramez Michail with 17 points as the only Dons in double digits.

Fullerton was led by Austyn Thompson with 17 points while Isaiah Clark and Jake McCloskey each scored 10 points.

Up Next: The Hornets will host a tough Saddleback College (20-1 overall, 3-0 OEC) team this Friday at 7:00 pm.

*Photo by Jose Rangel