By Diego Linares
East Los Angeles College Men’s Basketball team routed Rio Hondo College, 116-60, in their home season opener last Thursday then squeak by Moorpark College, 63-61, last Saturday.
Key factors in the team win against Rio Hondo were well executed fast breaks, high energy throughout the game, constant crashing of the boards and consistent scoring off the bench.
First-year ELAC Head Coach John Mosley preached defense and ball security, as freshman starter Michael Foster had a game-high four blocks. Husky sophomore starting point guard Chris Brown opened up several fast break opportunities in the second half leading to multiple uncontested runs.
Husky sophomore shooting guard Jaree Crawford led the team in scoring, finishing with 28 points, most of which came from the post. “The team came out and did what we had to do. Basically it was another day at the office,” Crawford said.
Husky freshman Tyler Evans provided the offensive spark off the bench. “My teammates set up good screens and got me open. I had a job to put the ball in the hoop as a result,” Evans said. Evans contributed with fifteen points, five assists, four rebounds, and one blocked shot.
Sophomore point guard Harris Javier finished with nine points, including two three-pointers, four rebounds and two assists.
“Our execution on offense was good today. Our spacing was better and people were running lanes,” Javier said.
Following the win, the Huskies faced Moorpark College on the road.
“It was important for ELAC to get off to a good start early because Moorpark had the home court advantage,” Mosley said.
Moorpark is known for scoring in bunches which they proved with their second half comeback while ELAC was up by as much as 16. “Our defense held up against a high scoring offensive team,” Mosley said.
Freshman Zach Hinton gave tough focused minutes. He made his time on the court worthwhile boxing out, hustling on defense, playing with intensity and finishing with six points.
Freshman Frankie Aguilar hit a huge three-pointer, with 2:28 left in the game, to give ELAC a 10-point lead. The Huskies hung on for the two point win. The 63-61 win over Moorpark was a collective team effort according to Mosley.
