Hawks Ice Lancers in Two-Point Victory

In a thrilling non-conference matchup on Thursday night, the Santiago Canyon College men's basketball team edged out the Pasadena City College Lancers, 79-77, after eight lead changes and seven ties. With the win, the Hawks extended their winning streak to four games, relying on strong defense in the final minutes to secure the victory.

This marked the Hawks' second win of the season decided by three points or fewer, after they found themselves trailing by two with just over two minutes remaining in the game.

The Lancers, who led by seven with just under five minutes left, saw their advantage slip away as the Hawks went on an 8-0 run to take a 75-74 lead with under a minute to play. Sophomore Tony Colley sparked the rally with a layup, and then followed it up with his third block of the game. Colley grabbed the block and fed sophomore Eli Arthurton, who sank a three-pointer to give the Hawks the edge.

Freshman EJ Bryson kept the momentum going, stealing the ball on the next possession and setting up an and-one play for Colley, who put the Hawks ahead 75-74 with just under three minutes to go.

Pasadena City responded quickly, converting an and-one play on the following possession to reclaim the lead. But Bryson drew a foul on the next trip down and hit one of two free throws to cut the deficit to one point.

With both teams missing scoring opportunities in the final moments, it was the Hawks who struck again. Colley grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back in to give the Hawks a 78-77 lead with 16 seconds left. The Lancers missed two chances to regain the lead, and Colley sealed the win with a free throw with just three seconds remaining.

Colley led the Hawks with 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. He also recorded three blocks and two steals, extending his streak of double-digit scoring performances to all four games this season.

Sophomore Trevor Manning added 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting, while sophomore Colin Weems chipped in 16 points and four assists, marking his second straight game in double digits.

Freshman Efe Gucoglu was a spark off the bench, contributing 10 points, including two three-pointers, along with two assists and two steals.