Johnson's Career-High 18 Points Lead Bulldogs to 68-61 Win Over Porterville in Home Opener

Lawrence Johnson hit four three-pointers on his way to a career-high 18 points to help deliver a 68-61 victory for the Allan Hancock College men's basketball team in its home opener against Porterville on Friday in Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.

The Bulldogs led from start to finish as they opened the game on an 8-0 run fueled by a bucket by freshman guard Matt Willkomm, a three from Johnson and a three-point bucket from Willkomm. The Bulldogs carried a 37-28 lead into halftime after Johnson buried a three. The sophomore guard opened the second half with another bucket from long range to give Hancock a 12-point advantage. Hancock led by as many as 15 points in the game until Porterville closed to within three points at 55-52 with 6:42 left before Hancock regained control.

Johnson was four of seven from long-range to finish with 18 points to go with three assists, three steals and four rebounds. Willkomm finished with 13 points on four for 12 shooting and a four for seven mark from the free throw line. The Arroyo Grande High School graduate added four rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Arinze Anakwenze added a season-high 11 points and three boards, while Kadeem Minor poured in 12 points to give Hancock four players in double figures. Minor added four assists, four rebounds and two steals.

Shamel Williams came off the bench to score eight points along with four rebounds, Andre Miller scored two points and pulled down four boards.

Hancock shot 48 percent from the floor by making 22 of its 46 shots, including five of 15 from long-range. The Bulldogs made 19 of their 31 free throws (61 percent). They held Porterville to a 44 percent clip from the floor and forced 17 turnovers that led to 16 points. Hancock turned the ball over seven times.

The Bulldogs return to action on Thursday, Dec. 11, when they play Pasadena City College at 9 p.m. at a tournament hosted by Santa Barbara City College.