4:32 PM: I will have half-time stats updated shortly
4:35 PM: The stats were just as close as the score in the first half with the Citrus shooting 42.9% from the floor and Fullerton shooting 47.8% from the field...rebounds were close as well (CC 19, FC 17), as were turnovers (CC 4, FC 7)...the most glaring stat came from the foul field...The Owls were whistled for 13 fouls compared to just 7 for Fullerton...even worse was the fact that Fullerton had 15 attempts at the free-throw line, compared to just 4 for the Fighting Owls
4:37 PM: The Owls started off hot in the first half, but tapered off in the end holding off a furious Fullerton rally to end the half. Citrus will have to get another early jump on the Hornets if they are going to win this game. One stat that favors the Owls is the bench points...Fullerton has virtually gotten no help from its bench with just one bench point compared to 18 for the Fighting Owls.
Citrus' strength all year long has been its depth, and if they can continue to wear down the Hornets it could be a long second half for Fullerton.
4:39 PM: The second half is now getting under way...
4:41 PM: And the Owls get a stop to start the second half, but a miss a three coming the other way...Fullerton gets the first points of the half on a put back by Cox...CC 39 FC 38
4:41 PM: Fullerton gets the first lead of the game on a Citrus turnover and fast break lay-up by Carter...FC 40 CC 39 with 18:18 to go
4:42 PM: D-Moore just picked up his third foul and the Owls call a time-out...still lots of time to play with 18:15 showing and Fullerton just still up by one
4:43 PM: Carter gets a three point play on an and one, but the Owls answer by going inside to Frohlich...CC 41 FC 45
4:45 PM: Awaji hits a three...cuts the lead to one with 16:35 to go
4:47 PM: The fouls are outrageous again in the second half...Citrus has five Fullerton none...Citrus down by just two 44-46
4:48 PM: Frolich is having his best game in a month, another great move and lay-up inside, but Fullerton answers...46-48 Fullerton leads with 15:45 to go
4:48 PM: Awaji gives the Owls the lead again with a trey on the right wing...CC 49 Fullerton 48 with 15:28 to go
4:50 PM: Finally the Owls gets a call...Frohlich is at the line and hits his first and misses the second Citrus' lead is two points with 14 to go
4:52 PM: For the third straight trip on offense the Owls go down low to their big German and hits gets fouled...Frohlich hits them both its a four point lead
4:53 PM: Citrus is being represented well in the stands the defense chants are loud, and they get a stop!
4:54 PM: Gasporra hits a big jumper and its Citrus 54 Fullerton 48 with just under 13 minutes to play
4:55 PM: Frohlich comes off the floor for a breather to a standing ovation...Fullerton misses two free-throws and the Owls are threatening again
4:57 PM: Owls force a turnover and get a transition three from Buensuceso...CC 57 FC 48 11:35 to go
4:57 PM: AWAJI GETS A THREE IN THE CORNER, and time-out Hornets...the players and stands are going crazy!! Citrus is up 60-48 with 11:09 to play in this championship game
5:00 PM: Carter just misses the front end of a one and one, so the Owls have the ball back with the same lead and just over ten minutes to play
5:02 PM: Things are working for Citrus...Buensuceso gets a three that hits the rim three times and then falls through the hoop, on the defensive end Citrus gets Fullerton their second straight offensive foul...CC 63 FC 48 9:13 left
5:04 PM: When it rains it pours...after getting no calls over the first ten minutes, the Owls get Fullerton with another offensive foul their third straight...same score with 8:38 to go
5:05 PM: The Hornets break their scoring drought with a pair of free-throws...CC 63 FC 50 8:10 to go
5:06 PM: Frohlich is on fire...he tips a ball back up and in and pushes the lead back to 15
5:08 PM: The Owls are doing a good job milking the clock and putting pressure on defense...Monday goes to the line for Citrus too shoot two and he misses them both...Citrus still leads 65-52, but the Owls pick up their 10th team foul so for every foul, the Hornets shoot two...6:10 remaining
5:21 PM: Fullerton calls a time-out with a player at the free-throw line...there's 1:44 left in this contest and the Owls are up by eight points, 68-60. Each team has two time-outs left.
5:29 PM: Carter takes a jumper and misses...Moore gets the rebound and the ball to Buensuceso who is fouled...JR makes both a 6 point lead with 14 seconds to play
5:30 PM: Fullerton gets two chances and they miss them both Awaji gets the board and is fouled...he needs to make these...there's 8 seconds on the clock...his first is up and
5:31 PM: He makes them BOTH!!!!
5:32 PM: Fullerton calls a time-out...the Owls have an eight point lead with 8.6 seconds on the clock
5:33 PM: The Hornet's make a three but it doesn't matter the Owls ARE STATE CHAMPS!!!! FINAL 72-67!!!