OVERTIME WIN OVER GOLDEN WEST

In an Orange Empire Conference game, the Hornets battled it out with Golden West on Wednesday night holding off the Rustlers 77-75 in overtime.

The Hornets and Rustlers put on a show in the Nest as both teams matched one another on shots in the first quarter. Tied 16-16, with 21 seconds left, Kayla Terry drove the lane for a layup that put GWC ahead 18-16.

Fullerton exploded offensively in the second quarter. After Sarah Shaw tied the game up at 18, FC went on a 12-4 run that began with a three-pointer by Tia Jaquias giving FC a 30-22 lead. By halftime, the Hornets pushed its lead to 39-28 after Jasmine Arnold knocked down a jumper.

In the third, Fullerton locked in on its largest lead of the game (13) by the three-minute mark (51-38), but soon they hit an offensive dry spell. The Rustlers took advantage while pumping in their shots, as well as two back-to-back three's. The Hornet lead was serverly cut down to four (54-50) by the end of the quarter.

Just like the first quarter, the battle was back on with both teams exchanging shots, until the Rustlers roped in a 69-67 advantage with 8 seconds left in regulation. Making a last-second move to the basket, FC's Tia Jaquias was fouled and tied the game up forcing overtime with two successful free throws. 

Golden West came out clicking in overtime with a 73-69 lead. Amya Iannone hit a jumper and Xochitl Hood hit a free throw cutting GWC's lead to one (73-72). Hood then scored on a jump shot that put Fullerton back on top 75-74 with a minute left. With time running out on the Rustlers, they were forced to foul sending the Hornets to the free throw line where Tia Jaquias and Sarah Shaw had success holding off Golden West for the victory. 

Four Hornets scored in double digits with Xochilt Hood leading the way with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals. Tia Jaquias and Jasmine Arnold both scored 16 points. Jaquias also dished out 9 assists and had 5 rebounds. Arnold had 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Kaylee Shimoda put up 11 points with 2 boards, while Sarah Shaw scored 7, brought down 5 rebounds, and had 4 steals.

Up Next: Fullerton (12-9 overall, 3-4 OEC) will play another one at home this Friday, February 2nd against OEC and district rival Cypress College at 7:00 pm. Come out and cheer for your Hornets!