ROUND 2 WIN OVER CERRITOS

The No. 1 seeded Hornets did what was needed in Round 2 of the SoCal Regionals against No. 16 Cerritos Saturday night earning a 79-67 victory over the Falcons.

Fullerton put an end to Cerritos College's 13-game win streak and its season as the Hornets put together a strong second-half effort getting a step closer to the 3C2A State tournament.

It was a back-and-fourth first half with both teams battling for position. The Falcon's Eric Clark said hello from downtown hitting a three-pointer to open the game. Christian Watson knocked down a nice jumper on FC's next possession and JQ Strong hit two free-throws to put the team up 4-3. Cerritos 22-18 by the eighth minute, but Fullerton snuck in a 24-22 lead by the six minute-mark off a trey by JQ Strong. Wit the score tied up 34-34 with 30 seconds in the half, Shawn Woodson drove into the key for a layin putting FC up 36-34 halftime.

The Hornets strong-armed the second half bumping its lead at 46-37 by 15:23 on a RJ Banks layup. An Addy G'bye three-pointer gave Fullerton a 52-43 advantage by 11:34 and the Hornets did not let up even with a full-court Falcon press. Taking its largest lead of 15 with 45 seconds left in regulation, FC closed out the game extending its season for another week.

Fullerton was solid shooting the ball at 48.1% to the Falcon's 39.3% Despite being outrebounded 42-34, the Hornets took advantage on turnovers forcing 14 while scoring 15 points from them. 

Jeremiah Davis had a team-high scoring 14 points with 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Alex Archer was right behind with 13 points, while RJ Banks delivered 12 points with 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Justin Davis put up 9 points and JQ Strong scored 7 for the win. 

UP Next: The No. 1 Hornets (25-4 overall) will host Round 3 of the SoCal Regionals on Saturday, March 9th (6:00 pm tipoff) when No. 9 Eagles of Mt. San Jacinto come to town. They beat No. 7 Moorpark Saturday night 94-86. The winner of this big matchup will move on to the 3C2A State Tournament at Mt. San Antonio College March 15-17.

Can't make the game in person? Watch it live and free here.

The SoCal Regional Bracket

*Photo by Jim McCormack