Glendora, CA (Men’s Basketball) -- Over the past three seasons the Citrus College Men’s Basketball team hasn’t exactly been known for their play in the low post. That’s about to change as the Fighting Owls continue to impose their will from down on the block, something that was more than evident in Friday night’s 82-56 win over visiting El Camino College. Citrus out-rebounded the Warriors by a 46-30 margin and outscored El Camino 40-24 in the paint.
The Fighting Owls would lead wire to wire in Friday night’s contest, but did initially struggle to put the ball in the bucket. After sophomore Jose Rivera opened the game with a trey, the Fighting Owls wouldn’t score for another three minutes until freshman Hakeem Washington got a conventional three point play on a lay-up and ensuing free-throw.
Leading 6-2, Citrus would begin to put an unbearable amount of pressure on the Warriors using a 20-7 run to take a 26-9 lead after Randy Hunter nailed a jumper in the paint with 6:51 left in the half. The Fighting Owls continued to turn up the heat taking a 23 point lead into the break after Tom Granado drilled a pair of free-throws just before the half.
In the second half, Citrus picked up right where they left off getting back to back points in the paint from Randy Hunter to push the lead to 27 points. From there on out, Citrus was in cruise control mode as their lead grew to as much as 30 points, but never dipped below 23, before finally settling on a 26 point victory.
In the win, Citrus was led by Hunter who recorded a double-double (his third of the season) with a team high 17 points and a game high 11 boards. Tom Granado would join in on the fun with 11 points and eight boards.
With the win, Citrus improves to 8-0 while El Camino drops to 2-5. The Fighting Owls will begin play in the toughest tournament in the State next week as they participate in the Wells Fargo Holiday Tournament hosted by Riverside City College. The 16 team tournament boasts five of the top nine teams in the latest State Coaches Poll, and seven of the top twenty. Citrus kicks off a grueling four days with Fullerton College on Wednesday evening. Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM.
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