WALT SIMON CLASSIC: DAY ONE

The Hornets opened the Walt Simon Classic with a big 95-58 win over San Diego Mesa on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, No. 7 Saddleback defeated No. 5 Citrus in a close one 73-68, and No. 13 San Diego City beat West Hills Coalinga 93-68.

The Simon family, along with former Hornet basketball players, attended the game to celebrate FC Hall of Famer Walt Simon. Before the tipoff, Walt's son, Miles, said a few words honoring his father's legacy.

Fullerton took over the game early grabbing a 9-0 lead by the 15:00 mark. San Diego Mesa climbed back into the game hitting three key shots from downtown. By 8:53, the Olympians took their only lead of the game at 21-20.

Rodrick McCobb swung the game in Fullerton's favor nailing a three-pointer to go up 27-21. The Hornets increased their lead to ten with just over four minutes left in the half (33-23) on a jumper by Omajae Smith.

A few three pointers by Lance Coleman II, Jailen Moore, and Smith gave Fullerton a healthy 46-23 lead the end of the first half.

The second half belonged to the Hornets as they kept the Olympians in their rearview mirror. FC's largest lead of 46 came on layup by Dylan Banks with 4:29 left in regulation 

Leading the way for Fullerton's big win was McCobb with a game-high 16 points. Ezekiel Alley followed up with 13 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Smith had a good night scoring 14 points as did Coleman II, who scored 12 points, with 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ronne Readus tallied 9 points with 7 rebounds, and Banks put up 10 with 4 steals.    

Up Next: Day Two of the Walt Simon Classic where Fullerton (2-0 overall) will play again on Friday, November 9^th against Citrus College. Tip off is at 7:00 pm.

Earlier Games (Nov. 9)
3:00 pm - San Diego Mesa vs. West Hills
5:00 pm - San Diego City vs. Saddleback

Photos by Jim McCormack.

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