2018 Season Underway For Men's Basketball

Men's Basketball opened up its 2018 season last weekend at the San Diego City College Tournament. The Owls went 1-1 on the road trip, handily beating Orange Coast and doubling their score, 104-52 and then dropping the championship match to San Diego City College 85-74. 

Friday vs OCC

Citrus was knocked out of the playoffs last season by Orange Coast on the Owls' home court, and after an otherwise undefeated season at home by Citrus. The image of OCC dancing at mid court on the home floor of the Owls was enough to ignite the taste for revenge in the players and staff that ended in an all out walloping by Citrus last Friday. 

The Fighting Owls wasted no time getting things rolling on the 2018 season, coming out of the gates shooting the lights out and going up 63-16 by the end of the first half. Citrus shot 55% form the field as a team, and sank 44% of the their three points attempts. Meanwhile the Owls defense held OCC to just 23% shooting from the field and out rebounded the Pirates 27-10.

The second half would be a little different, as Citrus emptied the bench, getting in almost the entire roster. Every Citrus player that stepped on the court scored at least one bucket. But OCC picked up their pace in the second half, dropping 36 points to Citrus' 41. However the first half lead was just too much to overcome and the Pirates fell to the Owls by a staggering margin of 52. 

5 Owls posted double digit points in the effort, with 12 total players scoring. Citrus beat OCC in every single statistical category in the win.

Saturday vs San Diego City

Saturday's game would be a different feel, as the Owls stepped onto the court with 2017 rival and tournament host, San Diego City. SDCC outscored the Owls in the first half 44-31, and although Citrus fought hard in the second half, outscoring the Knights 43-41, it wasn't enough to exceed the fist half lead, and the Owls dropped the game 85-74. The setback landed Citrus in the #2 spot in the tournament. 

Josh Caston led the Owls in points with 17. Returner Psalm Maduakor posted his first double double of the year with 15 points and 12 rebounds. 

Citrus is on the floor again this weekend as they compete in the Fullerton College tournament through Saturday. 

For the latest scores, highlights, photos and more, visit www.citrusowls.com  and follow us on Twitter: @ccfightingowls