Dons Open with 87-73 win Over LBCC 

Dons Open with 87-73 win Over LBCC 

SANTA ANA, Calif. - The Santa Ana College Men's Basketball team started the 2024-25 season by hosting the Long Beach City Vikings in the Dana Pagett Tip Off on Thursday, October 31st. 

SAC forced 23 turnovers and outrebounded the Vikings by six (54-48), showing that they will have a new identity this season. The Dons also saw their bench score 49 points on their way to a 87-73 win. 

Newcomer Kamaury Washington led the Dons 22 points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench. The transfer from Citrus College went 8-13 from the field and finished a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line.

Freshman point guard Camron Swist added 18 points and four boards while freshman guard Jackson Brennan contributed with 15 points, six steals and five rebounds in their collegiate debuts. 

Although the top three scorers were all playing in their first game with the Dons, it was the returners who did some of the most important work all night. 

Sophomore forward Kelvonte Ellis played in his first game in over a year but looked as though he hadn't missed a day. The vet from Virginia recorded a double double with 13 points and 15 boards on the night. And while Jaitice Hayes didn't have a great shooting night, the second year point guard filled the stat sheet with five rebounds, four assists, four steals and three points while applying defensive pressure to the Viking backcourt all night. 

SAC will continue its season on Monday when they go to Glendale for game two of the Dana Pagett Tip Off due to a malfunction inside Bill Cook Gym.