Canyons Can't Complete Comeback, Falls 81-67 at Citrus
By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director
GLENDORA — College of the Canyons cut an 11-point second-half advantage to briefly retake the lead, but couldn't maintain that pace eventually falling 81-67 to No. 3 Citrus College on Saturday night.
Canyons (12-12, 3-7) had its two-game conference win streak snapped at the hands of a Citrus (21-3, 9-1) team that has now won 18 of its last 19 games, after falling to Santa Monica College earlier in the week.
The Cougars got off to a slow start but closed the first half out on a high note to trail 36-30 at the break. Canyons shot nearly 42 percent from the floor in the opening period but committed 12 turnovers to stymy any momentum.
Citrus opened up a 49-38 second half advantage with 14:30 to go in the game and seemed to be slowly pulling away before the Cougars mounted an attack.
Back-to-back three pointers from Andrew Henderson and Mason Savory cut the Owls lead to 55-50 with just under 12 minutes to play. The Henderson and Savory combo then came up with layups on consecutive possessions to draw within a point at 55-54 before Dylan Griffin gave the Cougars a brief lead at 56-55.
Citrus would quickly respond though, putting together a 14-0 run over the next 4:30 that put the Owls back in control at 69-56.
Henderson led all scorers with 19 points along with 11 rebounds. Dillon Barrientos was next with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Jonah El-Farra finished with 13 rebounds and six points.
The Owls were led by Anthony Tello's 16 points but had five players finish in double digits, including reserve Rudy Suarez who finished with 14. Citrus shot nearly 45 percent for the game and converted on 12-of-15 free throw attempts. Citrus started the week as the No. 3 ranked team in the state according to the most recent California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association (CCCMBCA) Top-30 poll.
Top Performers
- Quincy Arms – 21 mins, 9 pts, 2 rebs, assist,
- Dillon Barrientos – 36 mins, 13 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assists, stl
- Jonah El-Farra – 31 mins, 6 pts, 13 rebs
- Andrew Henderson – 38 mins, 19 pts, 11 rebs, 2 assists, stl
Upcoming Schedule
With four regular season games remaining on the docket Canyons is back at the Cougar Cage on Wednesday, Feb. 8 for a 5 p.m. tip-off against Antelope Valley College. The first 50 fans to attend the men's game will receive a FREE 'Blue Crush' men's basketball T-shirt.
The conference schedule continues Saturday, Feb. 11 with another home contest vs. West L.A. College beginning at 5 p.m.
Both games will be broadcast to fans free of charge on the Cougars Sports Network.
Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
—Photo by Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information