MEN'S BASKETBALL: ANOTHER TOUGH LOSS

No. 3 Fullerton dropped their second game on the season Wednesday night in a close one at Saddleback College 66-63. 

The loss puts FC at 17-2 overall with an Orange Empire Conference record of 6-2, while the Saddleback win places the Gauchos at 13-7 overall with a 6-2 OEC record. The Hornets are now tied for third with Saddleback, while Santiago Canyon and Riverside City sit tied for first place in the OEC.

The game was tight from start to finish with 8 ties and 5 lead changes. With just under four minutes left in the game, FC grabbed a 55-52 lead thanks to a three-pointer by Omajae Smith. Saddleback's David Dial stroked a three of his own to put the Gauchos up 60-59 with over a minute left. Captain Whitlock hit the dagger-shot-three, at 57 seconds to put Saddleback up 63-59.

Fullerton did their best to get back in the game tying it up at 63-63 on a layup by Ronnie Stapp, but the Gauchos had another dagger in their back pocket. Nik Lipovic pulled up in the corner for a deep shot beyond the arc with a second left in regulation and slayed FC's chances for an overtime victory.

Omajae Smith led all scorers with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Ronnie Stapp added 17 points and 6 rebounds. Jacob Eyman had 10 points and RJ Knibb scored 8.

Up Next: The Hornets (17-2, 6-2) will be back on the road this Friday, January 24^th at Santa Ana College. Game time is at 7:00 pm. 

*Photo by Phil Thurman

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