By Miguel Dominguez
The Men’s basketball team won against Cerritos College 59-55. The Huskies continue their streak to 17 wins on the season including this playoff win. The Huskies defense were able to hold off Cerritos in the final seconds of the game that secured the win. The Huskies led the entire second half of the game after going into the half 29-23.
Every player for the Huskies scored in the game. Jon Sanders did start for the team and led the team with 10 points. Tyrelle Hunt and Bryan Penn-Johnson led the team with eight rebounds in the game.
The Huskies were 38.2% from the field. From the free throw line, the Huskies completed 62.5% from the free throw line. The Huskies struggled from the three-point range and turnovers. The Huskies only completed 2 of 10 from the three-point line and had 16 turnovers in the game. Cerritos only managed to score 11 points from those turnovers.
The Huskies made it very difficult for Cerritos as they pressured the defense, using up the shot clock and forcing them to take uneasy shots. Huskies are known for the defense of pressure in their recent games. The Huskies scored 20 points from the 19 turnovers Cerritos committed.
It was a close game in the first half. There were three lead changes and the most in the half. Both teams struggled with turnovers. Huskies had a seven-point lead towards the end of the quarter. The Huskies led in the half 29-23. Cerritos only had three players that scored in the half. Dorian Harris led the team with 11 points in the game. Juice Belvin was second with 7 points and Jalen Shores had 5 points for the team.
The Huskies had eight players that scored in the half. Damani Whitlock and Penn-Johnson each scored five points each, the most for the team at the half. Penn-Johnson made a difference in the game. He did not start but when he came off the bench he dominated in the paint using his size and strength. Penn-Johnson had six rebounds and three blocks in the half.
Joshua Phillips was second in rebounds with five rebounds. He also had a steal and a block in the half. The Husky bench outscored the starting players with a combined 18 points for the team in the first quarter.
The Huskies were on a 10 and three run as the Huskies defense continued through the second half. Huskies led 39-26. This was the largest lead the Huskies had in the game. Cerritos reduced the lead as they were down by four points in the half with 8:26 remaining. Huskies led 51-47.
From that point on the Huskies maintained their lead the rest of the game. Cerritos never got closer than three points from the tie. The Huskies offense was consistent with their possession and scored when they needed to. The defense also helped keep their lead for the remainder of the game. The Huskies won the game 59-55.
The last time the Huskies trailed by two points with 9:28 to go in the first half. The Huskies took the lead with 7:42 left in the quarter, when Richard Wilson scored a three pointer to make it 14-11. From that moment on, the Huskies led the entire game.
The Huskies advanced to the next round of the playoffs but lost to West Los Angeles College 85-73. The Huskies finished the season 25-5 and were unbeaten at home going 8-0. The Huskies struggled in turnovers and from the three-point line. There were a total of 18 turnovers and the team only made two-three-pointers out of seven.