Led by Tony Robert’s 21 points the Cerritos College Men’s basketball team advances to the second round of the state playoffs with a convincing win against the San Diego Mesa Olympians 91-71 Friday.

The Olympian’s point leader for the night Jason Thomas who had 26 points left the game with what appeared to be a knee injury late in the second half. Although Thomas’ departure was not pivotal to the result of the game it did seem to deflate the already struggling Olympian offence.

The Falcons now 22-11 seemed to be able to do no wrong on Friday as they cruised through the first round versus a 17-14 San Diego Mesa team.

“I wanted to pinch my self.” Men’s basketball Coach Gary Cain said about Cerritos turning the ball over only once in the first half and not using a single time out in the first 20 minutes of the contest. Their defensive intensity was responsible for 13 Olympian turnovers.

Cerritos in the second half was never up by less than15 points. Their largest lead was 32 late in the first half.

Cerritos in predictable fashion spread the ball around and had 4 players in double digits with Terrell Hendricks had 16 points and Matt Reid chipped in 14 points. “I want my guys ready to be able to play and win a 50-55 game were our starters aren’t hitting their shots” Cain said about the falcon point spreading and strong defense to win the close games.

The Falcons will now face six seed Oxnard who won their first round game versus College of the Canyons 96-74.

The Falcons for the remainder of the playoffs will only host a game against 19th ranked Santa Monica who must get past a very tough third ranked Antelope Valley team.