Quick start propels Gauchos to win in Brummel Classic

The Saddleback men's basketball team scored the first nine points of the game and never looked back in beating Mira Costa College, 58-51, in the quarterfinals of the Bill Brummel Classic on Thursday night at the Saddleback Gymnasium.  It was the fifth straight win for the Gauchos, who improved to 9-2 on the season.

Josh Smith led a balanced attack with 12 points and 10 rebounds, also leading the team with five steals and three blocked shots.  Smith was all over the court for Saddleback, with all 10 of his rebounds coming in the defensive end.

Saddleback was stellar in the defensive zone all night, holding Mira Costa to 37% shooting for the game and just 31% in the second half.  Gaucho defenders force the Spartans in 22 turnovers while blocking six shots for the game. 

Meanwhile, the Saddleback offense sputtered at times after the quick start.  The Gauchos finished the game shooting only 41%, making 6-of-18 from three-point range.  AJ Brevard came off the bench to score 10 points while Alexis Moore also added 10.

Saddleback improved to 9-2 on the season with the win.  They will play the winner of Cypress/Los Angeles Trade Tech on Friday night at 7:00 PM.