Bobcats bust out against Palo Verde

The men's basketball team busted out of an offensive funk with a 99-81 win over Palo Verde College on Saturday at the annual Grossmont College Tournament.  Atiba Taylor scored 24 as the Bobcats were red hot from the field.

Saddleback had been in a slump over the past two games, scoring 54 and 65 in dropping games to Santa Monica and Palomar.  The Bobcats broke out on Saturday, making good on 55.6% of its shots in improving to 4-3 on the season.  With the win, Saddleback advances to the consolation finals on Sunday in El Cajon.

Taylor was the catalyst, coming off the bench to lead Saddleback with 24 points.  Taylor was 9-of-13 from the field, including a 6-for-8 performance in the first half as Saddleback took a 53-45 lead into the locker room.

Palo Verde battled back into the game and tied the score at 63-63 with 13:40 remaining.  The Pirates, however, never would see the lead as the Bobcats kicked the offense into high gear.  Saddleback scored seven straight points for a 70-63 lead after Elijah Al-Debaran buried a three-pointer with 12:11 remaining.  With 9:49 remaining Derek Rubidoux completed a three-point play for a 77-70 lead and once again the Bobcats were off and running.  Saddleback went on a 13-0 run to take an 87-70 lead with 7:34 left when Al-Debaran slammed home a dunk for a 17-point advantage. 

Saddleback had its biggest lead of the afternoon in the final minutes when Jimuel Reyes made a jumper with 1:39 remaining for a 99-77 advantage.

Saddleback finished with four players in double-figures, led by Taylor.  Al-Debaran finished with 16 points while Reyes had 12 and Gerald Jones III finished with 10.  Rubidoux led the Bobcats with eight rebounds for the game.

Saddleback will play again on Sunday against the winner of Los Angeles Trade Tech College and Cuesta College, who were playing in the other consolation semifinal on Saturday afternoon.  Game time on Sunday is scheduled for 1:00 PM.