Men's Basketball Comeback Effort Falls Short Against Cerritos

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College men's basketball team fell in a home showing against No. 29-ranked Cerritos College on Wednesday evening. | BOX SCORE

The contest proved to be a gritty battle throughout regulation as fans saw eight ties and five lead changes on the night. Despite a strong start, the Bulldogs entered halftime facing an eight-point deficit. After trading baskets throughout the second half, Cerritos stretched the lead to as many as 13 with less than three minutes remaining. A pair of free throws by Vondre Chase sparked a momentum-swaying 10-1 run in the last two minutes of the frame. Following the charity stripe trip, back-to-back dunks by Amari Stroud and Noah Haaland and a three-pointer from Matt Solomon rounded out a series that eventually led to a one-possession difference but Cerritos put the game away with solid free throw shooting in the final six seconds of play. 

Both teams shot just under 50 percent from the floor, but the Falcons held a hefty 41 percent mark from long range while limiting the Bulldogs to a 24 percent finish. Bench production also favored Cerritos at a 26-15 margin while the Bulldogs secured five more rebounds than the visiting foes. Stroud led the Bulldogs with his second consecutive double-double after registering 17 points and 10 rebounds on the night. Shawn Kelly and Haaland followed with 12 points each to round out the double digit performers. Bryce Craver added a team-best of six assists while Stroud and Haaland tacked on two blocks apiece. 

The Bulldogs will return to action on Friday, December 3rd, for a non-conference game at West Hills Lemoore.