BY THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH

BY THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH: The Hornets traveled down to Mt. San Jacinto College Wednesday night for the 1st round of SoCal Regional playoffs and fell in a close one 69-67.

The game was back and forth with a total of 5 lead changes with FC's largest lead at 7 and Mt. San Jacinto's at 8. 

The game came down to the final minute with FC down 69-64.  Guard Tyler Payne hit a three-pointer to come within two points.  With 2 seconds left on the clock, Payne had to make two free throws to tie the game, but unfortunately he missed the first one.  With no other choice, Payne tossed up the second shot with the intention of a Hornet rebound a put back, but that plan was thwarted when the Eagle's Mylin Jordan came down with the ball as the clock ran out.

The Hornets led in second chance points 15-4, but the Eagles edged FC on turnovers (18-13) and rebounds (36-31).  Fullerton also shot 50% from the free throw line to MJC's 62.5%. 

Payne had a game-high 20 points and Julian Caldwell nearly matched it scoring 18 along with 7 rebounds.  Rufus Jemison, Khalfani Williams, and Dakota Allinson all ended the night with 7 points.  

The Hornets ended their respectable season with an overall record of 14-14 and made the playoffs for the first time in three seasons (2nd round loss to Miramar 96-89 during the 2008-09 season).