Bournes gets revenge against Lancers

The Saddleback basketball team has only a handful of players returning from the 2013-14 squad and none will forget the stunning defeat against Pasadena City College in the playoffs a year ago.  Returner Andrew Bournes reversed a disappointing performance last March with a big night on Friday as the Gauchos defeated PCC 78-72 in the opening round of the San Bernardino Valley College Tournament.

Bournes finished the 2013-14 campaign with a 0-for-5 performance in a game where the Gauchos completely collapsed against a PCC team that was considered heavy underdogs.  Fast-forward the clock 8.5 months and Bournes was front and center, leading the charge as Saddleback turned back the Lancers in the quarterfinals of the SBVC Tournament. 

Bournes finished with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, making 2-of-3 from three-point range and 8-of-12 from the free throw line.  He was not alone as Conor Clifford had a game-high 22 points and nine rebounds just five days after winning the MVP of the College of the Desert Tournament.

The win puts Saddleback (4-0) into the tournament semifinals where they will meet Antelope Valley College (4-0), a program that entered the season ranked No. 1 in Southern California in the Coach's Poll.  AVC defeated College of the Desert 99-86 in the second quarterfinal game of the day.  

"We will have to be a lot better tomorrow if we are going to play with Antelope Valley." head coach Andy Ground said.  "They look very good."

Game time tomorrow is set for 5:00 PM at San Bernardino Valley College.