MEN'S BASKETBALL: HORNETS ARE FOR REAL

The FC men's basketball team took on some of Southern California's top teams last week ending the 44th Riverside City College Holiday Tournament with a third place finish.

On Tuesday, the SoCal #10 FC men's basketball team passed their first test knocking off #14S Cerritos College 80-73.

Then on Wednesday, Fullerton brought down #2S San Bernardino Valley College on Wednesday 74-67.

Thursday had the Hornets facing off against Coach Perry Webster's mentor Coach Andy Ground for the first time since leaving Saddleback where he was a player and assistant coach. Fullerton may have fallen short against the #3S Gauchos 65-60, however they put everyone on notice that they they are for real.

Last Friday, Fullerton wrapped up the tournament against the host RCC and beat the Tigers 58-47 for the Third Place finish.

The Hornets took control of the game early and never looked back maintaining the lead throughout the game. FC shot 42% from the floor to Riverside's 36%, and out-rebounded the Tigers 31-24.

Kenny Barnes led the Hornets with a game-high 18 points, with 8 rebounds, and was named to the All-Tournament team. Ryley Stewart chipped in coming off the bench to score 10 points.

44th Riverside Holiday Tournament 2015 All-Tournament Team

MVP Devonte Klines, Saddleback
Breaon Brady, Saddleback
Alfred Brown, Chaffey
Kenny Barnes, Fullerton
Andy Cleaves, Riverside
Steven Adams, San Bernardino Valley
Kendall Brown, Mt. San Jacinto
Montel Shirley, LA Pierce

For the first time in its 44-year existence, the Riverside Holiday Tournament featured twelve community college teams, instead of the usual 16-team format, which had been utilized since 1982 (except for 2010 and 2011 when no tournament was held due to the reconstruction of Wheelock Gymnasium).

Defending state and Riverside Holiday Tournament Champion Saddleback has won it five times (1986, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015). Fullerton has won the Riverside Holiday Tournament twice (1993 and 2005) and was runner-up in 2008. Chaffey won the tournament in 2013.

Riverside has won its tournament ten times (1974, '77, '81, '85, '91, '92, '94, '95, 2006, '09), followed by (now defunct) Los Angeles City, which won it seven times (1982, '96, 1999-2000-2001, 2003-2004). The Tigers have been tournament runners-up 13 times.

Up Next: After playing for exhausting games in a row, the Hornets (11-4 overall) will not play until December 30th when they host El Camino College in the Hornets Nest at 6:00 pm.

RCC Tourney Bracket

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