HORNETS FINSH OUT THE FC CLASSIC UNDEFEATED

The No. 2 Hornets finished out the 36th Annual FC Classic on Saturday with a 64-58 win over No. 29 Chaffey College. 

It was not a walk in the park for the Hornets as the Panthers, who nearly beat No. 10 Citrus the day before, came to play.  

Fullerton ripped off a 14-9 lead during the first eight minutes of the game, however Chaffey popped a couple of three-pointers (Eulysses Foston and Jonathan Neal) taking a 15-14 lead. Kobe Newton dropped a three of his own for Fullerton to take the lead back at 17-15, however the Panthers took off on a 10-5 run (27-20) by the three-minute mark. The Hornets fought back to get within 3 points by halftime on a jumper by Newton. 

Jeremiah Davis drove the basket for 2 points as did Sean Newman Jr to begin the second half as FC took back the lead at 30-29. Pushing ahead, the Hornets went on a 14-4 run that was capped off by Newton's shot from beyond the arc at 13:46. Chaffey did its best to pull closer to Fullerton, but the Hornets did just enough to keep the Panthers at bay. 

It was not the best shooting night for FC, which only shot 35% (24% 3-pointers). Chaffey did not fare any better shooting 31.7% from the field (30% 3-pointers). Fullerton knocked down 76.2% at the free throw line compared to Chaffey's 54.5%. 

Kobe Newton had a game-high 17 points for the Hornets, adding 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Shaquil Bender contributed 11 points with 3 rebounds, while Jeremiah Davis (6 rebounds) and RJ Banks (5 rebounds) both scored 10 points apiece. Sean Newman Jr. (6 rebounds) and Mike Ofoegu (5 rebounds) scored 5 points each.  

Up Next: The No. 2 Hornets (11-1 overall) will play their first Orange Empire Conference game of the season at home against Golden West College on Tuesday, December 20th. Tipoff is at 7:00 pm.