No.3 San Jose Defeats Bulldogs 75-61 at AHC Holiday Classic

Despite a double-double from Lavell White, the Allan Hancock College men's basketball team lost 75-61 to San Jose City College in the consolation bracket on Monday at the Bulldogs' Holiday Classic. The Bulldogs dropped to 5-9 and were eliminated from their tournament. San Jose, ranked third in the latest state poll, improved to 11-3.  The Jaguars will play Cuesta in the consolation championship game at 1 p.m. on Tuesday in Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.

San Jose led from start to finish after the squad stormed out to a 13-4 lead behind eight points from Junior Anderson. Hancock fell behind 24-13 before narrowing the deficit to 28-20 at halftime.  SJCC started the second half on a 10-2 run to extend its lead to 38-22. The Bulldogs picked up their defensive effort in the next four minutes and after a three-point play by Lawrence Johnson climbed to within 43-38. San Jose regained control and pulled away in the final 10 minutes.

White led the Bulldogs with 24 points and 10 rebounds. The sophomore made nine of 19 from the floor, including two of seven from three-point range. Shamel Williams came off the bench for 10 points and eight rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. Johnson finished with eight points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The sophomore guard sank three of his 13 attempts from the floor. Kadeem Minor and Arinze Anakwenze added five points apiece for the host Bulldogs, who dropped their fourth straight game.

San Jose shot 67 percent in the second half (16 for 24) and finished the game at 53 percent (28-53). The Jaguars forced 15 turnovers that they cashed into 16 points. Hancock shot 39 percent in the game (21 for 54) and hit just three of 17 shots from long range. Hancock made 16 of its 20 shots from the free throw line for an 80 percent mark.

Hancock held the rebounding edge 31-24. The Bulldogs forced SJCC into 10 turnovers that turned into six points.

Anderson led San Jose with 18 points on seven for 11 shooting, including three for four from three-point range. Chris Sterling added 17 points, while Josue Salaam added 13 points behind a six for seven effort from the free throw line.

Earlier on Monday, Cuesta (10-5) edged Santa Barbara 59-56 to eliminate the Vaqueros and advance to Tuesday's game against San Jose behind 16 points and 11 rebounds from Tayler Thompson.

Cerritos (5-6) will play Bakersfield (9-4) in the third place game at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, while Fresno (15-3) and Rio Hondo (12-5) will meet in the championship game at 5 p.m.