Glendora, CA (Men’s Basketball) – The Citrus College men’s basketball program has opened their 2007-2008 slate with a bang as they hit they hit the century mark for the second time in only their second game of the season. The Fighting Owls, who lost in double overtime last season to Barstow, cruised to a 115-68 victory over the Vikings, and have won their first two games by a combined 91 points.
Citrus would lead wire to wire in this game, jumping out to an early 21-4 lead just five minutes into the game. Sophomore’s Darren Moore and Buchi Awaji helped jump start things early on as they accounted for 12 of Citrus’ first 21 points. From that point forward the Owls lead never fell below 14 points as they shot 51.2% from the floor for the game.
While their offense was dynamite, it was Citrus’ defense that proved most impressive as they forced the Vikings into 27 turnovers and just 38.8% shooting from the floor. The Owls also man-handled Barstow on the boards, out-rebounding the Vikings by a margin of 59-35. Citrus also dominated almost every category leading in points off turnovers (40-16), points in the paint (52-20), second chance points (21-13), and bench points (46-39).
Awaji was the games leading scorer and rebounder as he poured in 20 points a ripped down 9 rebounds, just one shy of a double-double. Moore finished just behind him with 17 points, while freshman AJ Gasporra continued to impress as he finished with 9 boards and 14 points on 5 of 10 shooting.
With the win, the Fighting Owls improve to 2-0 early on in the season. Citrus will hit the road this weekend, for their first tournament of the year as they participate in the San Diego City Tournament. Last season, Citrus advanced to the finals of that tournament before falling to Riverside 64-67.
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