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Johnson, Walton Lead Warriors Past L.A. Pierce

By Bryson White
By Bryson White

TORRANCE, Calif. - El Camino College scored a 63-59 non-conference victory over visiting L.A. Pierce on Wednesday night at the ECC Gym Complex. 

Kai Johnson led the Warriors with 19 points to go along with eight rebounds and three assists while Daxen Walton scored 16 points in 25 minutes off the bench. 

For the Brahmas, Jordan Collins led all scorers with 23 points while Markus Steele grabbed 12 rebounds in the loss.

The game was tight throughout as the teams were tied four times and traded the lead seven times. The Brahmas held a 35-34 lead at halftime despite Walton catching fire for the Warriors as he scored 12 of his 16 points in the first half on 4-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc.

It was Johnson who took over the offensive load for the Warriors in the second half as he scored a dozen points in the final 20 minutes. But the Warriors still needed some late heroics as they trailed 59-58 with 1:30 left in regulation.

Walton saved his best bucket for last, hitting a jumper with 46 seconds left to give ECC the lead.

The defense then held firm on the ensuing possession, forcing a missed three and getting the ball after the rebound went out of bounds. 

Johnson then hit two clutch free throws with 23 seconds left to put ECC up three. The defense once again stood tall, forcing two missed 3-pointers in the final 17 seconds before Gavin McKinnon grabbed the final rebound and drew a foul. He hit the second of his two free throws to ice the game and give the Warriors their second straight win. 

The Warriors will now hit the road on Friday to take on Ventura at the Porterville College Tournament. Friday's game is set to tip off at 5 p.m.