FC'S SECOND HALF PUSH TOO MUCH FOR SADDLEBACK

A second half run at Saddleback College helped lift the FC men's basketball team over the Bobcats Wednesday night 60-44.

Fullerton's victory bumps the team up to 21-3 overall, and the team is still locked in a first-place tie with Santiago Canyon College at 10-2 in the Orange Empire Conference. The Saddleback defeat places the team at 11-13 overall and 5-7 in the OEC. 

The Hornet defense stepped it up in the second half holding the Bobcats to only 17 points- the least amount scored on FC in a half this season was 16 against Orange Coast. The 44-point total is the least amount scored on Fullerton all season. It was Saddleback's lowest scoring output since its 67-41 defeat against Cypress College on January 15th.

The first half of the game was close with Saddleback even grabbing a 19-17 lead by the 7th minute. With three minutes left in the first half, the Bobcats did not let up widening their lead to 25-19. The Hornets fought back taking a 27-25 lead near the end of the half thanks to a dunk by Brayden Smith and a free throw by Jaqari Miles. 

All tied up 27-27 going into the second half, Fullerton's Addy G'Bye knocked down a three-pointer to welcome everyone back from the halftime break. FC broke through with a 37-29 advantage in the 13th minute and kept the Bobcats at bay for the rest of the game. The Hornets enforced their biggest lead of the game of 18 with a minute left before walking off the court victorious.

As a team, Fullerton had 21 second chance points, while Saddleback had none. FC hit the boards hard out-rebounding the Bobcats 44-21 and out-shot their opponent 41.8% to 36%. 

Joe Grahovac and Brayden Smith both led the way for the Hornets sharing a game-high 14 points. Grahovac added 4 rebounds and 3 assists, while Smith brought down 9 rebounds. Jaqari Miles dropped in 10 points with 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Addy G'Bye put up 9 points with 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Justin Davis helped with 6 points, 7 boards, and 4 assists.

Up Next: The No. 15 Hornets (21-3 overall, 10-2 OEC) will head back out on the road this Friday, February 7th when they play at OEC rival Riverside City College. Tipoff is at 7:00 pm.