Owls Hold Off AVC; Clinch at Least a Share of WSC East Title

Glendora, CA - The Citrus College Men's Basketball team held off a talented Antelope Valley College Men's Basketball team on Wednesday night. The Owls used an aggressive attitude on the boards, and solid defense on the Marauders from downtown to hold of AVC 81-72. The win also clinched at least a share of the Western State Conference East Division title for Citrus who closes out their 2016-2017 regular season on Saturday at 2nd Place Barstow College. 

 Antelope Valley would lead for all of 12 seconds on the night. The Marauders scored the games opening bucket and then watched as Citrus' scored the next 11 points, going up 11-2 after a 3-point play by freshman Jeremy Smith. Antelope would rally with a run of their own to tie the game up at 11-11, but sophomore Donn-Christian Corbin would hit a triple three possessions later to go back up 14-11 and would never allow the Marauders to tie the game up again.

Citrus would first begin to distance themselves from Antelope Valley with a 12-3 run during a two minute stretch midway in the first half, going on top 26-16 after a jumper by sophomore Calvin Martin. The Owls' lead would hover around that 10 point threshold for the rest of the first half. AVC would get it down to nine with 31 seconds to go, but a three by freshman Khalil Williams with six seconds left mad it 44-32 for Citrus at the break.

In the second half, Citrus would pick up where they left off pushing their advantage to a game high 20 points after a tip-in at the basket by sophomore Tyler LaCour. The Marauders would get their shortage down to 11 points multiple times throughout the remainder of the second half, but each time the Owls had an answer. AVC made one last push mucking up the game in the final 30 seconds, getting the Owls lead down to eight points after three straight missed free-throws by Citrus, but it was too little too late. 

Freshman Jeremy Smith would finish with a game high 24 points, grabbing five rebounds, and handing out six assists with just one turnover. Martin would add 14, pulling down a game high 14 rebounds including eight on the offensive glass. Williams would be the only other Owl in double-figures finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. 

With the win, Citrus improves to 23-5 overall and 8-1 in WSC East play. The Owls will have a chance to win the WSC East title outright on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Barstow College. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM.