In a South Coast conference showdown on Feb. 6, lead scorers Dorian Tate and Elijah Gelin helped the Cerritos College men’s basketball team rally past Los Angeles Southwest College 86-69, are now tied for first place and improved their conference record 5-1.
Tate’s 26 points came along with 10 rebounds, marking his eighth double-double of the season according to the Cerritos Athletics website and stat tracking.
“We lost to this team earlier in conference so I knew we had to take it seriously, lock in and get the job done. Today we really came together as a team and we remembered that playing as a team makes the game easier for all of us,” Tate said.
Freshman guard Gelin, scored a total of 23 points coming off the bench, showcasing the depth of the Falcons lineup.
“I knew this was our redemption game to come back and get 1st place, that’s what motivated me the entire game,” Gelin said.
Gelin also went 12-of-15 from the free throw line, as he often was the target of Southwest fouls. He spoke about the importance of keeping your composure throughout the game.
“I got ejected from a game two weeks ago for unsportsmanlike conduct. I had to make sure that going forward, anger led to more focus, which I exhibited today,” Gelin said.
After previously losing to Southwest 71-66 in their first game of conference play, Cerritos came back on top, shooting 51.9% from the field and out-rebounding Southwest 38-27.
This comeback was personal and intentional.
“We weren’t happy with our performance last game. We made some adjustments on the offensive end and defensively we challenged a lot better today,” head coach Russ May said.
Captain and forward Isaac Sowell, and forward Blake Brewer, both contributed nine points apiece. Sowell also had a total of 6 rebounds and Brewer had a total of 7 rebounds.
By halftime, Southwest was leading 36-34.
“Southwest is a very good team. They got hot and had a 12-point run to end the half. They’re talented and I will give them credit for that,” head coach Russ May said.
However, coming into the second half, the Falcons successfully utilized numerous trips to the free-throw line, along with a combination of transition buckets and inside scoring.
With 4:41 left in the game, Cerritos solidified their double-digit lead, 76-66, never trailing again.
“I’m proud of how my team responded in the second half. Defensively we attacked the paint, went at the rim, and got the ball inside, which was the difference,” May said.
An explosive offensive effort along with a superior presence on the glass finalized their victory.
“Our guys played really hard. This was a super important game, a first place game. They stuck together, overcame some adversity, and we are glad to walk away with the W,” May said.
Only four more conference games remain.
“It’s our time to win. There’s a white banner up there and we haven’t gotten a championship in a very long time. It’s time for us to go the full journey and go the full length,” Gelin said as he pointed to the Cerritos College men’s basketball’s 1989 state championship banner.
The Falcons will play at home on Feb.11, against Compton City College at 5:00 p.m. as they hope to continue their championship run.
