Gauchos slow down Owls to advance in playoffs

The Saddleback men's basketball team advanced to the third round of the Southern California playoffs with a 78-64 win over Citrus College on Saturday night at the Saddleback Gymnasium.  The Gauchos slowed down an Owl offense that was averaging 80 points-per-game while A.J. Brevard had a big night in the win.

Citrus came into the game red-hot, and scoring points in bunches, but it was Saddleback that controlled the tempo of the game from the outset in advancing to the third round of the playoffs.  The Gauchos frustrated the big weapons for Citrus while shooting well from the outside.

Brevard (pictured) was sizzling all night, scoring a season-high 25 points.  He made 4-of-5 from three-point range and 5-of-6 from the free throw line in keeping Citrus from making any significant run. 

The Owls never got closer than seven points in the final seven minutes of the game as Saddleback closed out the game at the free throw line.  Saddleback made 18-of-22 from the charity stripe in the second half after a dismal first half when they made just 1-of-6. 

Citrus stayed within an arm's length for most of the game as the Owls shot 29 free throws in the second half while Saddleback was being whistled for 17 fouls.  Kerry Carter finished with a team-high 20 points for Citrus, scoring 17 in the second half.  Citrus couldn't keep the Gauchos off the boards, however, as Saddleback held a 22-15 advantage over the final 20 minutes of play to ice the win.  The Gauchos also displayed a big advantage in depth, outscoring Citrus 39-14 off the bench.

It was the 16th straight win for Saddleback, the longest streak since winning 21 straight in 2001-02.  The Gauchos now advance to the third round where they will host East Los Angeles College on Wednesday night at 7:00 PM.  East LA comes into the game at 21-7 overall after defeating Mira Costa College 76-62 on Friday night.

Citrus finishes the season at 16-11 after the loss.