Gauchos to host MiraCosta on GSN

The Saddleback men's basketball team starts its title defense on Saturday when they host MiraCosta College in round two of the California Community College Regional Playoffs.  The Gauchos and Spartans can be seen live on the Gaucho Sports Network starting at 7:00 PM.

Saddleback is riding a 21-game winning streak dating back to late November.  During the streak the Gauchos defeated MiraCosta, 80-59, in the semifinals of the Bill Brummel Classic.  In that game, Saddleback closed out the opening half with a 26-14 run in leading by 14 at the intermission.  Saddleback finished with four players in double-figures, led by Lyle Hexom (15).  The Gauchos are 23-14 lifetime versus the Spartans.

Saddleback (27-1) won its fifth straight Orange Empire Conference title in 2016, going undefeated in a conference that boasts three of the top 12 seeds in the Southern California Regional Playoffs.  The Gauchos are led by the No. 1 defense in the state, allowing just 55.8 points-per-game for the year.  Saddleback had seven players named to the All-Orange Empire Conference team, led by conference MVP T.J. Shorts. 

MiraCosta (15-13) is coming off a 71-59 win over Glendale College on Wednesday night in the opening round of the playoffs.  The Spartans have been hot as of late, winning their last four games by an average of 12 points.  MiraCosta was a third place finisher in the Pacific Coast North Division and defeated conference champion Mt. San Jacinto College (5-seed) last week by 16 points.  The Spartans feature one of the top scorers in the state in Buddha Boyd, who averages 22.1 points-per-game.

For those that cannot make the game live, you can watch it on any computer, laptop or mobile device (in HD) on the Gaucho Sports Network for a minimal fee.  All proceeds from the event go directly back into the athletics department to help promote the athletes and teams.  Click HERE to subscribe.