HORNETS LOSE IN OEC BATTLE

On Friday night, the No. 2 Hornets came back from the holiday break rested and ready to travel to Orange Empire Conference rival No. 8 Santiago Canyon, but a late run in the game by the Hawks handed the Hornets an 86-78 loss.

It was Fullerton's first loss in OEC-play and only its second on the season putting a halt on an 11-game win streak. FC now sits at 13-2 overall and 2-1 in conference, while SCC now rides a 5-game win streak with an overall record of 13-3 and an OEC undefeated record of 3-0.

The game itself was tightly contested featuring 4 ties and 10 lead changes, however an 8-point push by the Hawks in the last two minutes of the game hurt the Hornets' chances of a much-needed victory over one of the best teams in the state.

After holding a 47-38 lead at the halftime break, Santiago Canyon let Fullerton slide back in the game with 4 minutes in regulation. The Hawks were holding on to a narrow 3-point advantage, but a three-pointer Addy G'Bye knotted the game up at 78 at the 2:15 mark. Unfortunately, for the Hornets the team did not have enough to slow down the SCC offense as the Hawks ran away with the game in the final minutes.

Addy G'Bye had a game-high 23 points with 5 rebounds, while Joe Grahovac put up 22 points, had 6 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots. Kairi Shepherd scored 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. 

Up Next: The Hornets (13-2 overall, 2-1) head back on the road this Wednesday, January 8th when they play another OEC rival in Orange Coast College (4-12 overall, 0-3 OEC). Tipoff is at 7:00 pm.