Stallings provides early holiday gift

The Saddleback men's basketball team defeated Golden West College, 84-77, on Thursday night in Huntington Beach.  Charlie Stallings was red hot from long range to lead the team in scoring.

Saddleback was coming off a painful loss on Tuesday and looking to change the momentum while evening their record in Orange Empire Conference play.  The Bobcats righted the ship in improving to 8-6 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

Stallings was a key component, making 6-of-13 shots from beyond the arc in finishing with a team-high 25 points.  He was also good in the defensive end, finishing with seven rebounds, three steals and a blocked shot.

Joining Stallings in double-digit scoring were James Burries, John McFadden and Andre Speight.  Burries was 10-of-12 from the free throw line to finish with 18 points while collecting seven rebounds and dishing out a team-high five assists.  McFadden chipped in with 13 points while leading the team with 11 rebounds.  Speight added 12 points. 

Saddleback led 74-70 with 2:49 remaining when the defense clamped down on the Golden West offense.  The Bobcats held the Rustlers scoreless for 2:07 in building the lead to 79-70 with under 45 seconds remaining in the game.  Saddleback cruised across the finish line, making five free throws in the final minute.

Saddleback is now 8-6 overall and 1-1 in OEC play.  The Bobcats will have the rest of the year off before jumping back into conference play in January.  Saddleback will travel to inter-district rival Irvine Valley on January 3 for a 6:00 PM game against the Lasers.