MEN’S BASKETBALL: HORNETS SLAM DOOR ON DONS

The number one team in California welcomed Santa Ana College to the Hornets Nest Wednesday night and took care of the Dons 85-61.

Fullerton has now won 16 consecutive games with an overall record of 18-1 and an Orange Empire Conference record of 3-0. The Santa Ana defeat places them at 7-11 overall and 1-1 in the OEC.

The first half was tightly contested as Santa Ana and Fullerton fought it out. By the 12:55 mark the Dons had a 3-point edge at 19-16, but FC turned on the jets and went on a 14-0 run that was capped off by a three-pointer by Jalien Moore. By 10:23, the Hornets were up 28-19. Santa Ana dug their way out of the 9-point hole going on an 11-4 run getting within 2 points (32-30). The Hornets ended the half with a 45-35 lead thanks to another three-pointer by Moore with seconds left 

Fullerton carried their momentum into the second half taking a 58-38 lead by the 16-minute mark. FC kept their distance from the Dons taking their largest lead of 24 with 34 seconds left in regulation.

The Hornets shot 50% from the floor and out-rebounded the Dons 44-24. It was not a perfect night for FC as they still committed 18 turnovers to SAC's 10.

Omajae Smith led Fullerton scoring 17 points. Ronne Readus added another double-double scoring 16 points with 15 rebounds. Jailen Moore and Lance Coleman II (11 rebounds) both put up 12 points each, while Rodrick McCobb scored 11. Vaj Rice also dropped in 11 points with 7 rebounds.

Up Next: The No. 1 Hornets (18-1 overall, 3-0 OEC) will be back in action at home on Wednesday, January 23^rd when they host district-rival Cypress College (13-6 overall, 2-1 OEC). Game time is at 5:00 pm.

*Additional photos by Jim McCormack

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