Owls Finish Up RCC Tournament With Strong Showing

Riverside, CA -- After opening up the 43rd Annual Riverside Holiday Tournament with a strong win against defending CCCAA Champs Santa Rosa Junior College, the Citrus College Men's Basketball team closed out the week with a strong showing. The Owls fell in the next round to eventual champion Saddleback College, before rallying with big wins over Fullerton College and Chaffey College.

The loss to Saddleback wasn't an easy one for Citrus to swallow. The Owls shot just 21.8% from the floor, and got dominated in the paint by being outscored 52-8 in the middle. The Gauchos led by 17 at the break, before going on to defeat the Owls 78-52. Sophomore Dominique Walker led the Owls with 15 total points, while sophomore Justin Childress added 10.

 Despite the Thursday setback, Citrus bounced back nicely against Fullerton. Citrus shot the ball much better, converting 42.4% of their attempts from the floor. The Owls committed seven fewer turnovers than the Hornets, and turned a nine point halftime lead into a 73-65 win. Citrus put forther a balanced offensive effort with four players in double figures. Sophomore Chaunce Hill had a team and season high 12 points, and was matched by freshman Ryan Wiley.

Citrus wrapped things up on Saturday afternoon, by taking on local rival Chaffey College. The Owls dominated the match-up, taking the lead at the 17:22 mark in the first half and never looking back. Citrus held the Panthers to just 26.3% shooting for the game, and 19 first half points. Citrus kept it rolling in the second half, before finishing the game up 82-58. Sophomore John Roach had a game high 18 points, while Childress and freshman Jordan McNellys each had 16. McNellys would be named to the All-Tournament team.

With the three wins and one loss on the week, Citrus moved back to .500 at 5-5 on the year. The Owls will be back in action on Friday when they host Southwestern College at 5:00 PM.