Glendora, CA (Men’s Basketball) – If one thing is for certain about the 2007-2008 Citrus College men’s basketball team, it’s that when they get rolling they can be as hard to stop as a run away freight train. Friday night’s game against Rio Hondo College was no different, as the Fighting Owls put together two solid runs in the first half to run away with a 79-61 win over the Roadrunners.
After Rio Hondo jumped out to an early 4-3 lead over Citrus, the Fighting Owls made their first move scoring 14 unanswered points over a span of five minutes to jump out to a 17-4 after Buchi Awaji hit a jumper in the lane.
Five minutes later and up by 12 points, Citrus embarked on its second big move of the half as they rattled off a 16-0 run that ended with a Ralph Monday bucket and the Fighting Owls leading 37-12. Citrus would hold Rio Hondo to just 25% shooting in the first half as they settled in for a 42-18 half-time lead.
In the second half, the Roadrunners came out prepared to make a run at Citrus, as they shot 43.8% from the field while holding the Fighting Owls to just 37.8% shooting. Rio Hondo would end up out-scoring Citrus 43-37 in the second half, but it was too little to late, as Citrus’ lead never fell below double digits, as they settled in for an 18-point victory.
Citrus, ranked #2 in Southern California and #4 in the state, was led by sophomore Darren Moore who poured in a team high 17 points on 6 of 12 shooting from the floor. Ralph Monday grabbed a team high 18 boards, while freshman Kelly Johnson finished with a game high 7 assists.
With the win, the Fighting Owls improve to 16-1 on the season. Citrus will be back at home tomorrow for the second and final day of the Chipotle Holiday Classic to take on LA Pierce College. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.
Box Score