MEN’S BASKETBALL: OVERPOWERING THE DONS

The #12 Hornets hosted Santa Ana College on Friday night overpowering the Dons 87-57 in an Orange Empire Conference matchup.

FC dropped a spot in the state rankings from 11 to 12 this week after losing close one last Friday on the road to Santiago Canyon College 70-69. That loss knocked Fullerton out of the top spot in the OEC standings placing Orange Coast College (riding a 6-game win streak) in first place.

Tonight's win over Santa Ana now gives Fullerton an OEC record of 5-2 with an overall record of 16-6. The Dons, who are now riding a 5-game losing streak, remain in the OEC's cellar at 1-6 and are 8-12 overall.

The last time these two teams played was on January 3^rd at Santa Ana. The Hornets had a hard time with the feisty Don squad but locked down the win at 95-89.

The game began sort of like the previous one, a back-and-fourth battle. The Dons and Hornets were tied 10-10 at 12:33 when FC poured it on taking the game over on a 26-6 run. Up 36-16 with just over a minute left in the half, FC did not let off the gas ending the half with a commanding 40-21 lead.

Fullerton owned the second half taking their largest lead of the game at 12:17 (62-29) on a three-pointer by Dezmond Rowen.

Fullerton capitalized on Santa Ana's 25 turnovers scoring 26 points, while also out-scoring the Dons on second chance points 20-8.

Jason Richardson and Khalil Stevenson both shared a game-high 17 points in helping the Hornets to victory. Richardson also had 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Ronne Readus came up big with a double-double night scoring 15 with 13 boards. Dezmond Rowen had 11 points and Nigel Carter delivered 9.

Up Next: FC (16-6 overall, 5-2 OEC) will host Irvine Valley College on Wednesday, January 31^st at 7:00 pm.

*Photos by Phil Thurman