With steady defensive pressure, No. 2-seeded Citrus College defeated No. 15-seeded Allan Hancock College 87-72 on Feb. 28 at home in the second round of the 3C2A Southern California Regional playoffs.
The victory extended Citrus’ winning streak to 23 games and improved Citrus to a 28-1 record, while Allan Hancock finished its season at 22-10.
Citrus took a 39-28 lead into halftime behind efficient shooting and disruptive defense. The Owls shot 50.8% from the field and consistently created scoring opportunities in transition and near the basket.
Even with a difficult night from beyond the arc, Citrus found other ways to score. The Owls finished 6 of 23 from 3-point range, 26.1%, but made up for it by attacking the paint and getting to the free-throw line.
Dev Hamilton provided a major boost with 18 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting performance in 18 minutes.
“We just got to stay together,” Hamilton said. “When things don’t go our way, we just got to talk to each other and just be ready.”
Guard Leo Ricketts led all scorers with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting, including 6-of-12 from 3-point range. He added four rebounds and four steals in 38 minutes.
“We are mainly focused on us and maxing out our potential in the season and to continue to get better each game,” Ricketts said.
Amiri Meadows added 17 points and six assists, while JJ Sanchez finished with six points and a game-high seven assists. Ian Salmon controlled the glass with eight rebounds, including six on the offensive end, helping Citrus create several second-chance opportunities.
“Players win the games, they always have and always will,” Citrus coach Brett Lauer said. “And we got good players, and they like making plays for each other. They hate losing. They love winning.”
With the win, Citrus advances to the third round of the regional playoffs and will play at 5 p.m. on March 7 at home against No. 7-seeded Mt. San Antonio College.
Mt. SAC. beat San Bernardino Valley College 66-55 on Feb. 28 at home. The winner of Citrus vs. Mt. SAC goes on to play March 13-15 in the state championship tournament at the College of the Sequoias.
