Men's Basketball Regional Playoffs: Fighting Owls Thump the Cougars

Citrus Men's Basketball has moved on to Round 3 of the CCCAA Southern California Regional Playoffs with a 95-58 routing of visiting Cuesta College. 

The Owls The 3rd seeded Owls will host #6 Long Beach City College next Saturday, March 9th at 7:00 PM. 

Saturday's game was a one-sided thumping that saw Citrus lead by as many as 41 points, that margin coming with little over 2 minutes remaining in the 1st half. Citrus had done their homework on the Cougars, shutting down their offensive system immediately and throughout the game, and dissecting and dismantling their defense. Citrus was on top of their game, out-rebounding Cuesta 49-27, outshooting them from the field 53% to 33%, hitting more long range jumpers 32% to 25%, and hitting 84% form the free throw line to just 53% for the visitors. 

The Owls owned the Cougars in 2nd chance options as well, scoring 16 compared to just 5 for the victors. The Owl bench outscored Cuesta's 42-6, a treatment to the depth and high level training the Owls have in-house. Citrus' transition game was in since as well, outscoring the Cougars 10-2 on fast break points. 

Josh Caston led all scorers with 23, adding 3 assists. Psalm Maduakor sacred 15 off the bench, grabbing 6 rebounds on the night. Kendal Frey matched his season high of 12 points, Toby Okwuokei netted 12 points and 7 boards, and Sam Gagliardi dropped 10 points and snagged 7 rebounds. 

The Owls advance to the Southern California Regional Finals for the first time since 2012 when they were eliminated in the State Semifinal by Fresno City College, 71‐69.

Citrus went 23-6 overall in 2018-19, going unbeaten in conference and capturing its 3rd straight WSC East title. 

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