POUNCING THE TIGERS

No. 2 Fullerton took a road trip to No. 29 Riverside City College on Friday night and pounced on the Tigers with an 80-64 Orange Empire Conference victory.

The win pushed the Hornets to15-1 overall and 2-0 in OEC play keeping them right in the thick of the conference title race. The RCC loss put the team at 9-7 overall and are now 1-1 in the conference standings.

After trailing 16-10 deep midway through the first half, the Hornets spread the ball around effectively creating open shots. FC went on to take back the lead (18-16) on a trey by Bishop Brooks at 9:49. Applying pressure on both sides of the floor, Fullerton swung the momentum completely in its favor with a big run. Up 28-22 with just under four minutes left in the half, FC held the Tigers two only 7 points, while ripping off 21of its own. By halftime, the Hornets held a commanding 49-29.

Fullerton continued to apply pressure in the second half not letting up as the team contained Riverside for the win.

Trey Thompson provided the offensive spark for the Hornets pouring in a game-high 21 points. He was automatic at the free-throw line, going 8-for-10. Yoda Oke was right behind with 20 points, while bringing down 12 rebounds for a double-double. Brayden Smith scored 17 points with 7 rebounds, while Donovan Pitts helped with 8 points. MJ Smith and Bishop Brooks both dropped in 6 points each.

Up Next: The No. 2 Hornets (15-1 overall, 2-0 OEC) will come back home this Wednesday, January 14^th when Santa Ana College comes to the Nest for an OEC matchup. Tipoff is at 5:00 pm.