Despite having a higher shooting percentage than EC-Compton, the Cerritos College men’s basketball team could not overcome its 25 turnovers and fell 90-89 in the last seconds of the Wednesday, Jan. 18 game.
Despite the loss, the Falcons will look to put the first game of conference behind them and focus on fixing their mistakes before the next conference game against LA Southwest on Friday, Jan. 20.
Sophomore guard Salvador Carlos said, “We just have to shake it off and stay true to our discipline.”
Discipline seems to be the resoning idea in mind as the Falcons go into the next game of the season.
Tyler Payne, sophomore guard, said, “We just have to learn how to play in our system and stay controlled […] be disciplined and stay strong mentally.”
From tip-off the matchup proved to be fast paced and full of intensity.
EC-Compton was the first to strike, but the game remained close throughout the entire first half with no team leading by more than eight at any point.
The first half alone witnessed seven lead changes and the game tied five times.
With two seconds left in the first half, the Falcons down 48-47, guard Salvador Carlos stole the ball and sunk a quick three pointer to beat the buzzer giving Cerritos the lead at the end of the half.
By the end of the half Cerritos tallied 17 turnovers to Compton’s 14, with a total of 23 fouls called on both teams in the first half.
The Falcons came into the second half with a 50-48 after shooting better than 60 percent from the field and behind the three-point line in the first half.
Cerritos came out in control and maintained their lead until Compton tied the game up at 73 with less than nine minutes left.
After that point Compton held the lead but never led by more than five points.
In the final minute of play Compton was leading 88-87.
With 20 seconds left in the game Compton was called for traveling, giving the Falcons possession.
The Falcons took advantage of the opportunity, freshman forward Dezmon Murphy sunk a jump shot that gave Falcons a 89-88 lead with six seconds left.
With less than six seconds left on the clock, EC-Compton inbounded the ball and drove down the court to score what would be the game sealing layup to claim victory over Cerritos 90-89.
The loss drops the Falcons 0-1 in conference play and 14-4 on the season.
Despite the Falcon’s loss the team isn’t worried and will stay focus on whats to come.
Carlos added.”Its always good to not dwell in the past, just let it go […] it’s the first game of conference, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Head Coach Russ May said,”One of nine, time to move on, We will bounce back.”
