BATTLE OF THE NO. 1's

The No. 1 (South) Hornets went up to play in the College of the Sequoias Crossover Classic on Thursday and opened with the No. 1 team in the North in San Francisco. It was, as expected, a close game that went down to the wire with Fullerton defeating the Rams 105-102 in overtime. 

Fullerton shot 50% from the floor to CCSF's 45.9%. FC's advantage came down to hitting shots from beyond the arc at 50% (13-26) to the Rams' 37.% (9-24). The Hornets were out-rebounded 47-30, but also took better care of the ball committing less turnovers (25-19). The points made from turnovers favored FC 32-21. 

The game was a even battle from the start with both teams matching one another shot for shot. FC made a run in the first half taking its largest lead of 15 (34-19) by 7:31 that ended with a layup by Sammy Howlin. The Rams ate into the Hornet lead getting within five (50-45) by halftime. 

San Francisco swung the game back in its favor in the second half taking a six-point lead by the 7 minute mark. FC was Up 92-90, but a costly turnover, with 25 seconds left in regulation, gave CCSF's Te'Jon Sawyer the opportunity to tie the game up on a mid-range jumper, which sent the game into overtime. 

FC went down early in OT 92-96 with the Rams hitting on the first two baskets, however the Hornets swung the game in their favor 102-97 on free throws (4-4) by Sean Newman Jr. From there, Fullerton's defense did its job as Jeremiah Davis knocked down the last two free-throws to polish off the game.   

Fullerton's Sean Newman Jr. outpaced all scorers with a game-high 29 points, had 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Kobe Newton stepped up scoring 22 points as did Jeremiah Davis, who had 16 points along with 6 boards. Shaquil Bender and Javon Jones both tallied 10 points apiece. RJ Banks put up 8 points and Sammy Howlin dropped in 6 for the big win. 

Up Next: The Hornets (5-0 overall) will play the tournament host No. 2 (North) College of the Sequoias today (Nov. 18) at 3:30 pm. Watch the game live and free here!