Bobcats hold off Corsairs for latest win

The Saddleback men's basketball team won its second straight game with a 69-66 victory over Santa Monica College on Wednesday night in Santa Monica.  The Bobcats are now 8-4 heading into Orange Empire Conference play.

Saddleback finished off its pre-conference schedule with a win at Santa Monica.  The Bobcats and Corsairs had a close battle as there were 11 lead changes in the game.

Saddleback started slowly as Santa Monica sprinted out to a 12 point lead in the opening 6.5 minutes of the game (9-21).  The Bobcats stormed past the Corsairs, scoring 21 of the next 23 points in grabbing a 30-23 lead with 4:54 remaining in the half.  Elijah Al-Debaran was a big factor in the comeback, scoring 13 points during the run.

Saddleback trailed by two at the intermission and the two squads traded baskets for most of the second half.  Neither team led by more than five points over the final 20 minutes of play and the Bobcats made a move over the final 11 minutes after trailing for much of the half. 

Saddleback finally nudged in front when Selah Robins drilled a three-pointer with 10:27 remaining for a 54-53 advantage.  The Bobcats again trailed by three with 5:27 remaining when James Burries made a layup to get the Bobcats within one.  Burries would make another layup with 2:12 remaining as Saddleback took a 69-66 lead. 

Down the stretch, neither team would be able to find the bottom of the net as both teams went scoreless over the final 2:12.  Santa Monica had an opportunity to tie the game in the final seconds but a shot went off the mark and Burries collected the rebound to ice the game.

Burries finished with a game-high 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field.  He also tied for the game-high in rebounds with 10.

Saddleback had another solid night from the free throw line, making good on 9-of-11 from the charity stripe.  The Bobcats are now shooting 76.9% from the free throw line for the season, which ranks fifth in the state.

Saddleback is now 8-4 overall to start the season.  The Bobcats open Orange Empire Conference play at Santiago Canyon College (7-4) next Tuesday in Orange, California.   Tip off between the Bobcats and Hawks is scheduled for 6:00 PM.