WALT SIMON CLASSIC: DAY TWO – HORNETS CAN’T KEEP UP WITH OWLS

No. 5 Citrus upset No. 4 Fullerton in the Hornets Nest Friday night 74-62.

Previous games of the day featured West Hills beating San Diego Mesa 78-66, and No. 7 Saddleback defeating No. 13 San Diego City 68-54.

The Hornets cruised out to a 12-5 lead to start the game, but Citrus' defensive prowess showed as they forced 10 Hornet turnovers that swung the game their way.

The Owls tied the game up at 21-21 at 7:56.

Citrus out-hustled FC going on a 12-2 run, and they went up 33-23 by the 5:45 mark.

Keeping Fullerton off balance for the remainder of the half, the Owls held a 42-35 lead at halftime.

Down 59-48 at 11:54, the Hornets made their move going on a 9-0 run. Rodrick McCobb hit two consecutive layups, Jailen Moore nailed a three-pointer, and Ezekiel Alley converted an "and-one" bringing FC within one point at 58-57 at 6:25.

Just when Fullerton was putting something together, Citrus responded with a strong 14-0 run that put the Hornets to bed with 19 seconds left in the game.

Both teams were practically even on shooting (FC 40.4%, Citrus 41%). Fullerton out-rebounded Citrus 42-30, however FC had double the turnovers 18-9. The Hornets also had a bad night at the free throw line shooting 65.4% to the Owls' 93.8%.

FC's Lance Coleman II scored a team-high 14 points, while Ronne Readus and Omaje Smith put up 11 points each. Readus also brought down 13 rebounds. Three players scored 8 points in Jailen Moore, Ezekial Alley, and Rodrick McCobb.

Up Next: Day Three of the Walt Simon Classic, the Hornets (2-1 overall) will take on San Diego City on Saturday November 10^th. Tip off will be at 5:00 pm.

Earlier Games (Nov. 10)

1:00 pm - West Hills vs. Citrus

3:00 pm – Saddleback vs. San Diego Mesa

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