HOT IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER

The No. 1 in state Hornets have remained hot after the Winter Break beating No. 16 Santiago Canyon College last Friday 101-76, and then knocking off a hot Orange Coast College squad Monday night 99-80.

Against the Hawks of Santiago Canyon, Fullerton came out firing in the opening minutes of the game taking 25-9 lead that was led by a pair of three-point shots by Kobe Newton. The Hornets kept the Hawks on their heels throughout the first half holding a ten-point lead (43-33) by halftime. 

Sean Newman Jr. welcomed the second half with a deep three-pointer and Shaquil Bender drove the lane for a nice lay-in. With seven minutes left in the game, Newman knocked down another trey putting FC up on the Hawks 83-63. With the game well under the Hornet's control, Fullerton pushed ahead taking the biggest lead of 29 with four minutes left regulation before wrapping up the needed conference win.

Fullerton had a great night shooting 55.7% to SCC's 48.1%. Kobe Newton led all scorers with 24 points, while Sean Newman Jr. was right behind with 23 points. Newman also had 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Jeremiah Davis contributed 17 points, Shaquil Bender had 12, and RJ Banks scored 11 off the bench.

Monday night's game at Orange Coast College was another big test for the Hornets as OCC has been one of the best teams on the Orange Empire Conference going into the game with a record of 2-1. The lone OEC loss came against Riverside City, a 73-71 road-loss last Wednesday.

Again, Fullerton jumped out of the gates early with a 13-1 run that was set off by a three-pointer by Jeremiah Davis. Bumping its lead to 20 (40-20) with five minutes left in the half, Shaquil Bender capped another three for Fullerton. By the time both teams hit the locker-rooms for halftime, the Hornets held a 51-34 lead.

Armed with too many weapons for the Pirates to handle, FC was shooting an incredible 63.5% from the floor and 60% on three-point attempts giving as they went on to win it in impressive fashion. It was a very good win to start the week as Fullerton has two more OEC games on Wednesday and Friday.

Kobe Newton was once again the game scoring leader with 21 points (6 for 8 three-pointers). He also added 8 boards. Javon Jones came off the bench 19 points, while Jeremiah Davis put up 17. Shaquil Bender scored 15 points, and RJ Banks dropped in 11.

Up Next: The No. 1 Hornets (16-1 overall, 5-0 OEC) will play the second game of the week at home this Wednesday, January 11th when Irvine Valley College comes to the Hornets Nest. Tipoff is at 7:00 pm. Come out and support the team!