By: Anthony Merjanoff
In a thrilling and adrenaline filled game, the East Los Angeles College Huskies defeated Mt. San Antonio College, 74-66.
Husky forward Jaree Crawford was in foul trouble in the first half, but was able to bounce back in a big way for the Huskies in the second half. Crawford scored 18 of his game high 21 points in the second half.
“I just made sure I could do whatever I could for the team. Once they saw I was hot, they kept feeding me the ball,” Crawford said.
ELAC was able to play excellent defense on Mt. SAC’s leading scorer guard Corey Allen. Allen averages 21.3 points per game and scored 18.
The game was close until the final eight minutes, when everything began to click for the Huskies offense. There were eight lead changes and five ties throughout the game.
Freshman forward Aaron Cheatum added 17 points, knocking down two huge three-point baskets down the stretch. “Everything was coming easy for us,” Cheatum said.
The Huskies won the season series against the Mt. SAC 2-1, spoiling the Mounties sophomore night. ELAC beat Mt. SAC both times in South Coast Conference play.
No. 14-ranked ELAC is 19-7 overall, 8-4 in the SCC standings. No. 2 -ranked Mt. SAC (24-3, 11-2) ended its regular season.
The Huskies will host Pasadena City College in their regular season finale on Friday at 7 p.m. A win will leave the Huskies in a two-way tie for third place in the SCC. The win against Mt. SAC could earn the Huskies a home game if they don’t falter against Pasadena.