Owls Win Big Over Defending State Champs

Riverside, CA -- The Citrus College Men's Basketball team opened up the 43rd annual Riverside Holiday Tournament against the defending State Champs in Santa Rosa Junior College. The Owls put together arguably their most complete game so far this season, in a 76-55 victory.

The Owls got things off to a strong start Wednesday afternoon with a 9-3 run to open the game. Santa Rosa would break it up with a lay-up with 16:01 on the clock, but that just led to another run by the Owls this one a 15-0 spurt that was bookended by a three ball from freshman Tyler LaCour and a lay-in by freshman Mark Williams that made it 24-5. The two teams would trade baskets over the remaining 11 plus minutes, with the Owls taking a 43-21 lead over the Bearcubs into the break.

Citrus picked up right where they left off in the second half getting another lay-up by Williams, a lay-up by sophomore Justin Childress, and a jumper by Childress to open up a 47-21 lead. Citrus' lead comfortably remained double-digits throughout the rest of the game.

In the win, the Owls held Santa Rosa to just 28.8% shooting from the floor, while converting 45% of their shot attempts. Citrus committed just seven turnovers, while forcing the Bearcubs into 14, and outscoring them 19-6 in the points off turnovers battle.

Childress led all Owl scorers with 14 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Sophomore John Roach added 12 points and a team high nine boards, while LaCour and fellow frosh Jordan McNellys each had 11 points off the bench.

With the win, Citrus improves to 3-4 on the year. The Owls' road just gets tougher from here as they will face Saddleback College, ranked #4 in the State and #2 in Southern California, on Thursday at 1:00 PM. The game will be played in Wheelock Gym on the campus of Riverside City College.