Playoff Preview: Citrus at East Los Angeles Round #2
A preview of tonight's California Community College Athletic Association Southern California Men's Basketball Playoff Round #2 meeting between #6 East Los Angeles College and #11 Citrus College.
About Tonight's Match-Up
Tonight's game between Citrus College and East Los Angeles College is the eight meeting between the two schools since the 2005-2006 season. In that span, the Owls are 5-2 against the Huskies. The last meeting between the two schools was last year, when East Los Angles knocked Citrus out of the first round of the Owls' home hosted tournament, the Neil Edwards Classic. The Huskies, hit a corner three with six seconds left to give them an 85-84 win. Of the previous seven contests, only one has taken place at East Los Angeles College. A 2005 meeting between the two schools which ended up with the Huskies defeating the Owls 83-79 in overtime. It's the first meeting between the two schools this season.
About the Huskies
Under second year Head Coach John Mosley, the Huskies are coming off another stellar campaign. East Los Angeles went 20-8 during the 2013-2014 season and finished in first place in the South Coast Conference North Division with a 9-4 mark in conference play. The Huskies' South Coast North Division Conference Title is the program's first in 42 years.
The Huskies are paced by sophomore forward Aaron Cheatum who averaged 14.8 points and 8.6 rebounds a game. Freshman Marcus Romain came off the bench and averaged 14.6 points, while sophomore Zach Hinton averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 boards a game.
Last Time Out For Citrus
Citrus heads into the post-season as winners of three of their last four, and five of their last seven. The Owls' season ended a week and a half ago, when Citrus defeated visiting West Los Angeles College 67-63. Freshman Dominique Walker scored a game and season high 18 points, while freshman Chris Reyes had 17 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks.
Common Opponents
East Los Angeles College and Citrus College have played five of the same teams during the 2013-2014 season. Both schools played Santa Monica College, Ventura College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Chaffey College, and El Camino College-Compton Center. Against those five schools, East Los Angeles is 3-3 on the year, while Citrus is 4-4.
Owls In the Post-Season
Tonight's game will be Citrus' 25th playoff contests since the 2006-2007 season. In that span the Owls are 18-6 in the post-season, with four trips to the State Final Four and a State Championship during the 2007-2008 season. The Owls are 12-1 on their home court in that stretch and 5-3 in Neutral site contests. Citrus has played just three road games in that stretch and are just 1-2.
How To Follow
Tonight's game can be followed live in person or online through Twitter. @ccfightingowls will have live updates on Twitter throughout the contest. If you wish to attend in person at East Los Angeles College tickets will be $10 for general admission or $7 for all identified students, faculty, staff, senior citizens age 60 and over, and children less than 12 years of age. Parking will be free in the parking structure next to the gym.