Williams, Johnson Lead No. 9 Bulldogs to 75-61 Victory Over Santa Ana at El Camino Tournament of Champions

(Torrance, CA) Lawrence Johnson scored 11 of his career-high 16 points in the second half, while Shamel Williams also poured in a season-high 16 to lead the Allan Hancock College men's basketball team to a 75-61 victory over Santa Ana at a tournament hosted by El Camino College on Thursday night.

After securing their first win of the season, the Bulldogs, who were ranked ninth in the Southern California Preseason Coaches Poll, improved to 1-2 . They advanced to Friday's winner's bracket semifinals. Santa Ana dropped to 2-2.

Johnson made five of his eight shots from the floor, including two of four from three-point range. The sophomore guard also hit all four of his free throws to go with four steals. Williams came off the bench to score 16 to go with seven rebounds. He made eight of 10 from the free throw line.

Lavell White finished with 12 points on five for eight shooting from the floor, including two of three from long range. Andre Miller gave Hancock four players in double-figures with 10 points off the bench. Miller fell one rebound shy of a double-double. On top of a team-high nine rebounds, the sophomore added four assists and two steals. Kadeem Minor finished with six points and seven rebounds.

Hancock led 37-36 at halftime behind eight points each from Matt Willkomm and Williams. The Bulldogs shot 48 percent in the first half from the floor, while Santa Ana hit 39 percent in the first 20 minutes.

Hancock outshot Santa Ana by hitting 26 of its 54 field goals for a 48 percent mark, while Santa Ana hit 22 of 61 for 36 percent. The Bulldogs hit eight of 25 from three-point range (32 percent) and held Santa Ana to an 18 percent mark (3-17). Hancock shot 68 percent from the free throw line by sinking 15 off 22.

The Bulldogs outrebounded Santa Ana 37-36 and were credited with 15 assists to Santa Ana's three. The Bulldogs turned Santa Ana's 19 turnovers into 26 points, while they turned the ball over 21 times. 

The game featured six ties and 13 lead changes until Hancock took control in the second half.

The Bulldogs face either Rio Hondo or Fresno City College at 7 p.m. on Friday for a spot in Saturday's championship game at the Tournament of Champions. Fresno City was ranked No. 3 in the Northern California Preseason Coaches Poll.