 "Photo: Frank Ram, Citrus College Clarion")
The Citrus College men’s basketball team moved one step closer to a bid to the state championships by defeating Santa Ana College on Feb. 27 by a score of 81-65.
The win moves Citrus, the No. 2 playoff seeded team, into the final round of the Southern California regional playoffs.
Although Citrus was victorious, the Owls spent most of the first half playing catch-up with Santa Ana after a slow start.
Sophomore guard DeAndre Haskins and center Tom Granado changed the tempo and put the Owls’ back into the game.
Haskins, who is 6-feet 5-inches tall, took over the game with a barrage of acrobatic layups and smooth jumps.
He also pulled off a three-pointer that shifted the game’s momentum in the Owls’ favor.
Citrus fans and Haskins’ teammates erupted in cheers. The entire team rallied in response.
By the end of the first half, the Owls were up 35-29.
In the second half, the Owls demonstrated the same team play that put them ahead in the first.
Throughout the game, the Owls were swarming on defense and attacking the rim on offense.
Guard Derrick Rodgers and forward Cameron Nettles made huge momentum-changing plays in the second half.
The Owls responded to their teammates by intensifying their play and treating every shot as if it were their last.
Santa Ana head coach David Breig insisted that it was the efficient play of the opposing team’s guards that sealed the Dons’ fate.
“When Santa Ana would go on its run, we would have to lock down on defense and take our time on offense,” said Owls center Tom Granado. “We are taking it game by game. The sky’s the limit for us, but we have to get back to work this week and work even harder than we did last week.”
Head coach Rick Croy pointed out that there is a strong possibility that Cuesta College might pose a stronger challenge than Santa Ana.
“They have a different kind of team— older, more mature, very savvy group—and we have to be ready,” he said. “They can do a lot of things with the basketball and a lot of things without the basketball.”
The Owls will face Cuesta in the Southern California regional finals on March 6 at 7 p.m. in the Citrus gym.
General admission is $8. Admission for student, faculty, staff, seniors over 60 and children under 12 is $5.
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now