Glendora, CA (Men’s Basketball) -- Throughout the 2008-2009 Men’s Basketball season, there has been no doubt, that down the stretch there is hardly a better team in the State than Citrus College.
The Fighting Owls proved that again tonight as they pulled away late from LA Valley, as sophomore Justin Johnson scored 9 of his 12 points in the final three minutes of Citrus’ 74-64 win over the Monarchs (ranked #15 in the South).
Both teams would start the game out slow, with the Fighting Owls holding a slim 11-10 lead with just over 13 minutes to go in the first half. From there, Citrus’ offense began to explode, rushing out to a 42-31 lead at the half, thanks to some outstanding shooting, including 5 trey’s in the first period.
After getting, pounded over the final half of the first period, LA Valley came out blazing in the second, cutting into the Citrus lead early on thanks in part to a 9-2 run, that opened up the half.
The Fighting Owls would eventually relinquish the lead, before grabbing it back around the five minute mark. With the lead back in their hands, Citrus turned to Johnson to seal the deal, as he made all seven of his free-throws and converted on a 3-point play that turned the tide in Citrus’s favor.
Citrus also got a thunderous alley-oop dunk off a Kelly Johnson steal and assist to Troy Payne, who brought the crowd to its feet, and the momentum permanently onto Citrus’ side with just over 29 seconds to play.
In the win, Citrus was led by Payne, who had a game high 15 points, while Johnson followed with 12. The Fighting Owls will hit the road for the first of two back to back road games on Saturday night, when it travels to Santa Monica College. Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM.
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