Cerritos College Athletics - 2007-08 Men's Basketball News: Cerritos rally comes up short

01.04.08 - Cerritos men's basketball came up short against LA City College Friday night.

In a game that was physical from start to finish, it was frustrating for Cerritos College men’s basketball coach Gary Cain to watch his leading scorer get pounded under the basket in the final seconds of a game against Los Angeles City College (14-4). The Falcons, were looking to come back for the win after being down by double-digits in the second half, had several chances to get the game within striking distance. But, sophomore guard Aaron Thompson’s (Washington Prep HS) attempted put-back after several head fakes was ruled a blocked shot before Travis George came up with the rebound for the Cubs. After George netted one of two free throws with 8.8 seconds left, it finalized a 76-72 score that has been synonymous with how the season as been going for the Falcons (8-10).

The team will now play their next five games on the road, starting on Wednesday when they travel to Pasadena City College for another 7:30 p.m. conference crossover game.

Down by as many as 10 points (55-45) with 11:18 left in the second half, Cerritos started their comeback and got to within 62-59 with 5:12 remaining after a three-pointer from sophomore guard Aaron King (Mayfair HS). It was a one-point game (64-63) when freshman Van Girard (Gahr HS) scored on a layup after a steal by freshman guard Wayne Chapman (Bellflower HS). However, Branden Fisher netted a three-pointer and Ricky Boyles followed with a pair of free throws to swell the Cub lead back to six points (69-63) with 2:47 left.

A bucket, followed by a three-pointer with 28 seconds left by Thompson saw the LACC lead slip to 75-70. The trey came after freshman guard Jeremiah Barnes (Los Altos HS) picked the pocket of Eric Nelson. When Fisher was called for travelling with 19.4 seconds left, it allowed Chapman a chance to drive to the basket for a layup and a chance to pull off the upset. But it never came about after the physical play under the basket in the final seconds was allowed to stand.

The duo of Jones (10 rebounds, three blocks) and King each finished with 14 points, while Thompson (seven rebounds, three assists) and Chapman (five assists) both added 12 points. For the Cubs, Fisher led them with 20 points off the bench, while George (nine rebounds) added 16 points and Nelson finished with 15.