LATE-GAME EXECUTION AND CLUTCH FREE-THROWS STIFLE OXNARD COMEBACK

After a loss to Cuesta College last week and a 3-3 record over the last six games, a bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the Bulldogs.

On Saturday, they were back in action against Oxnard College. Oxnard was on a 2-game losing streak, most recently falling to Ventura College by 20-points.

It was evident from the opening tip that Oxnard came to play.

The feisty Condors held the Bulldogs to just 2 field goals in the first seven minutes of the half. 

With a score of 10-10 and just under 13 minutes remaining in the first half, the Bulldogs found the mark from long range. Four different Bulldogs, freshman guards Will Silmon and Mike Mensah, and sophomore guards Gabrys Sadaunykas and Diego Lucas, all hit three-pointers in the stretch giving Hancock a lead of 28-23. 

Strong finishes in the paint by sophomore forwards Spirit Ricks and Trenton Mitchell extended the Bulldog lead to 34-27.

But the Condors would stay close, only down six points going into halftime. 

The second half was no different. The scrappy Oxnard team fought to stay close, converting tough mid-range jumpers and flailing lay-ups.

A tip-dunk by Hancock high-flyer sophomore J.T. Riddick and a three-pointer by sophomore guard Glenn Jordan extended a Bulldog lead to nine points with 17 minutes remaining in the game.

Turnovers have plagued the Bulldogs all season and it would continue in this match-up. Consecutive turnovers and missed scoring opportunities found the Bulldogs looking at a one-point lead with just over 7 minutes remaining.

Ricks stopped the Condor run with a big three-pointer from the wing. Mensah would follow it up with a three of his own to contribute to a 7-0 run.

Down 10 with just under a minute left in the game, the Condors had to resort to fouling. Late-game execution and clutch free-throws secured the Bulldogs win, 82-74. 

Glenn Jordan led all scorers with 21 points, shooting 11 for 13 from the free-throw line. Spirit Ricks followed up with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Diego Lucas chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. Mike Mensah continued his hot shooting, knocking down 4 of 8 three-pointers and chipping in with 14 points.

The Bulldogs are now 19-5 overall and 4-2 in conference play. 

Next, the Bulldogs travel to Ventura College this Wednesday February 13^th. Tip-off is at 5pm.