HORNETS TAKE GAME 1 OF THE FC CLASSIC

The No. 2 in state Fullerton College men's basketball team opened the 36th Annual FC Classic in the Hornets Nest on Thursday with a 97-84 victory over No. 5 San Diego City College.

It was another exciting game featuring two top-5 teams in the state and two head coaches that know one another well. Fullerton and San Diego City came out like gangbusters hitting shots and getting physical as both teams battled it out trying to swing momentum in their direction. With two minutes left in the first half, FC broke a 42-42 tie on two free throws made by Javon Jones. A possession later, Mason Vanbeenen drove the lane connecting on a layup putting the Hornets up by four. Sean Newman Jr. ended the half with a nice move to the basket putting Fullerton up over San Diego 48-42.

A very talented team, the Knights came on strong in the second half tying the game up 59-59 at the 12-minute mark thanks to a strong move to the rim by Anthony Howell. Shaquil Bender soon pushed the Hornets ahead with a strong move and bucket of his own as Fullerton went on a 16-7 run grabbing a 75-66 lead by 7:25. San Diego City tried to rally back, but the momentum had already swung hard in the FC's favor pushing the lead to 16 with just over two minutes left in regulation. From there, the Hornets already had the Knights in a headlock, and they were not about to let go as they simply ran time off the clock for the big win.

Once again, Sean Newman Jr. came up with big shots with a game-high 29 points with 5 assists. RJ Banks had a great night with 21 points, and Mike Ofoegbu delivered with 12. Kobe Newton and Shaquil Bender both dropped in 9 points. Bender also led the team in rebounds with 7. 

Up Next: The No. 2 Hornets (9-1 overall) will get back at it again tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 9) when they host West LA College at 7:00 pm. Come on out and watch some great basketball!

Other Games to Watch on Friday, December 9th
No. 10 Citrus vs No. 29 Chaffey - 3pm
No 5 San Diego City vs No. 21 LA Southwest - 5pm 

Can't make it to the games? Watch them all live here!

DAY ONE RESULTS
Citrus def. LA Southwest 95-70
Chaffey def. West LA - 82-78
Fullerton def. San Diego City - 97-84