ROAD TESTED

After falling to No. 11 Riverside City on Tuesday, the No. 2 Hornets picked it back up with a needed 76-70 win at No. 27 Saddleback College Thursday night.

The Hornets have had their hands full the past couple weeks playing the top-ranked teams in the Orange Empire Conference while dealing with injuries. Tonight's win helped FC to a 21-2 overall record with a 11-1 line in the OEC. The Bobcat loss put them at 16-10 overall and 8-6 in the OEC. 

The first time the two teams met this season (Jan. 21) was a close one with the Hornets getting past visiting Saddleback 65-61. Going into tonight's road game a bit short-handed, the FC team knew it was a must-win contest.

Although the Hornets trailed 35-30 by the end of the first half, their shooting proved to be too much as they hit 55.1% from the floor to Saddleback's 44.4%. Fullerton had a slight edge in 3-point shots (37.9% to 36%) and in rebounds (25-24). FC also had more free throw opportunities hitting 11-15 to the Bobcat's 5-5.

Ronnie Stapp had a steady night leading the Hornets with 20 points, with 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Javon Jones came up with a strong game scoring 17 points, while Ryan Blackmon added 12 points. Chazz Hutchison dropped in 10 points with 10 boards for a double-double and Gaven Ramirez chipped in with 9 points. 

Up Next: Fullerton (21-2 overall, 11-1 OEC ) will get right back at it on Monday, February 21st when the team hits the road again against OEC and district-rival Cypress College. Tipoff is at 5:00 pm.