Owls Settle for Share of Conference Crown With Loss at Barstow

Barstow, CA - The Citrus College Men's Basketball team would have to settle for a share of the Western State Conference East Division crown. With an outright title on the line, Citrus couldn't overcome 22.2% shooting from downtown, and their second most turnovers of the season (25) in a 74-77 loss to Barstow College. The loss had the Owls share the conference title with the host Vikings. 

 The first half was tough for the Owls, but they were able to keep things close for the most part and even leading throughout parts of the first frame. The Owls would lead as late as 32-28, but the Vikings closed the first half on a 10-2 run that saw Citrus fail to hit a field goal in the final 3:30. 

In the second half, things didn't start out much better as Barstow led by as much as 16 with just over eight minutes to play. The Owls would make a late run and battle all the way back to tie the game up at 66-66 after a triple from freshman Khalil Williams, but Barstow would go on to score eight of the next 13 to take a 77-71 lead with 20 plus seconds to play. 

Freshman Jeremy Smith would hit a long three to pull Citrus to within three, and after two missed free-throws from Barstow, Citrus would get two looks at a game tying attempt. Alas Smith's three rimmed in and out, and a corner three by sophomore Kenneth Cyprian at the buzzer did the same, giving Citrus the loss. 

Williams would lead all Owls with 20 points (all in the second half), adding five steals and a pair of blocks. Smith had 16, while freshman Kyle Gray had 12 points and a team high 11 rebounds. With the loss, Citrus drops to 23-6 and 8-2 in WSC East play. The Owls will most likely be back at home on Friday night to host a second round playoff match-up. Playoff seedings and match-ups will be announced on Monday afternoon.