HORNETS FLY HIGHER THAN HAWKS

In a huge Orange Empire Conference game, the Hornets knocked out the first-place Hawks of Santiago Canyon 77-60 at home Wednesday night.

The CCCMBCA Top 30 Poll came out last Monday with FC slipping to No. 15, Santiago Canyon moving up to No. 9, Cypress going down to No. 28, and Santa Ana making the board at No. 29. Tonight's win for Fullerton brings the team back in a tie for first in the OEC at 8-2 with Santiago Canyon. The Hornets have an overall record of 19-3, while SCC stands at 18-5.

It was a fast-paced and exciting game between two of the best teams in the South. Like two boxers measuring out their opponent, the score was only 2-2 at 5 minutes into the game. The Hornets made the first move taking a 22-15 lead from Jackson Hopps' layup in the 9th minute. Connor McKee drove the lane putting one in the bucket to pull the Hawks within 2 points (22-20), but FC took off on a 12-1 run putting the Hawks on notice. By the halftime break, Fullerton took control with a 40-27 lead.

The Hornet defense was very effective in the second half as the usually hot three-point shooting Hawks were 0-11 from beyond the arc. SCC only hit 2 threes for the entire game. Fullerton took advantage of the clipped wings of the Hawks maintaining a healthy lead to finish off the contest.

Jaqari Miles had a nice game scoring a game-high 22 points with 2 steals and 2 assists. Joe Grahovac had a strong outing as well with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Addy G'Bye scored 8 points, had 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Justin Davis put up 7 points as did Kairi Shepherd, who had 4 boards and 3 assists.

Up Next: No. 15 Fullerton (19-3, 8-2) will take on Orange Coast College at home this Friday, January 31st at 7:00 pm. Come out to the Nest and enjoy some great Hornet Basketball!