The Avengers

San Diego, CA -- The Citrus College Men's Basketball team didn't get their 2015-2016 season off to the start they were hoping last week when they lost to host San Diego City College 80-65. The Owls got some chance to play the role of the avengers though on Sunday when they avenged their opening loss to the Knight's by beating San Diego in their own tournament's 3rd Place Game 87-81.

Unlike last week's slow start, the Owls came out clicking on Sunday afternoon, getting baskets from sophomores Ryan Wiley and Mark Williams and a three from sophomore Caleb Richey to take a 7-2 lead. The Knights weren't going to fold so easily but Citrus set the tone early.

San Diego would briefly take the lead back from the Owls twice in the first half, going up 19-18 with 9:30 left, and 24-22 with just over seven minutes to play. That's when the Owls made their move. Freshman Calvin Martin jump started a 8-0 run by the Owls that saw a six point swing and was book ended by a free-throw from Williams that made it 30-24 with 4:10 to go. From that point forward Citrus never trailed.

At the break, the Owls built up a 41-34 lead, getting a lay-in by sophomore Oliver Amjoyi at the buzzer. In the second half, Citrus kept their foot on the gas for the start, going up by 16 after a three from freshman Latrelle Franklin with 14:21 left to play made it 60-44. The Owls' lead never dipped below double-digits until the final 30 seconds of the contest.

Williams continued his torrid start to the year with 20 points, three boards, and four assists. Wiley added 10 and five boards, while freshman Teeqwaun James had 22 off the bench. Franklin rounded out the superlatives with 11 points and eight assists. Williams would be named to the all-tournament team.

With the win, Citrus' record improves to 2-2 on the year. The Owls will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to College of the Desert for a 5:00 PM tip.