Citrus Claims Second Bakersfield Win

No. 3-ranked Citrus College found itself in unusual territory, trailing by eight halfway through the first half. The Owls dug deep and turned things around to grab an 83-67 victory over Bakersfield College Saturday evening.

The Owls improve to 20-2 overall and remain undefeated in Western State Conference-South action with their 17^th-straight win. The Renegades slip to 11-11 on the year and 3-5 in conference.

Anthony Tello led the Owls with 19 points (6-for-8), while Chris Chiles (5-for-9) and Jamal Briscoe each chipped in 12 points. Aibigho Ujadughele was just on the cusp of double figures with nine points and nine rebounds.

With seven minutes left before halftime, Citrus found itself trailing 29-21 but a big block from Ujadughele sparked something in the Owls as they took off on a 20-0 run to jump out to a 41-29 lead at halftime.

The Owls built on their first-half finish, scoring another eight unanswered points, and holding the Renegades scoreless for almost nine minutes. Bakersfield broke the scoreless drought 90 seconds into the second half, but the Owls had built up a 49-29 lead.

Bakersfield tried to chip away at the lead and pulled within 11, but that was the closest Citrus would allow as the visitors ran away with the 82-67 victory.

The Owls look to keep their distance in the WSC standings, heading to Santa Monica College – which sits tied for second in conference – on Wednesday. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m.