COULD NOT CAGE THE TIGERS IN OVERTIME

In a home Orange Empire Conference game on Friday, the Hornets wrestled with Riverside City before losing 62-57 in overtime.

Fullerton's loss now gives the team a 9-7 overall record with a 0-2 Orange Empire Conference record. The RCC win bumps the Tigers up to 8-7 overall and evens the team out in the OEC with a 1-1 record.

RCC's Michelle Jaurigui opened the game up with a three-pointer and the Tigers held a small lead throughout the first half. The Hornets made their move at the top of the fourth quarter when Tia Jaquias drove into the key for a layup that put FC ahead its first lead of 35-34. Fullerton went on to take an eight-point lead by the 4:55 mark, but it slowly melted away as Riverside tied the game up 51-51 with 30 seconds left. Both teams were unable to drop in the winning basket, and the game went into overtime.

Like the first quarter, the Tigers opened OT with a three-pointer. Although the Hornets tied the game up at 57 with 39 seconds left, Riverside never relinquished the lead finishing with their first OEC win.

Tia Jaquias led Fullerton with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Xochitl Hood scored 12 points, had 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Kaylee Shimoda put up 10 points, had 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. Jasmine Arnold scored 7 points and had 5 steals.

Up Next: The Hornets (9-7 overall, 0-2 OEC) hit the road on Wednesday, January 17th when they face off with Santa Ana College for another OEC matchup. Tipoff is at 6:00 pm.

*Photo by Matt Brown