Gauchos capture Orange Empire Conference title

For the second straight season and third time in five years, the Saddleback men's basketball team is the champions of the Orange Empire Conference after defeating Riverside City College, 57-48, on Wednesday night at the Saddleback Gymnasium.  The Gauchos battled through foul trouble but held off a late rally from the Tigers for a 14^th straight win.

Saddleback was stifling on defense, holding Riverside to 29% shooting from the field for the game.  The Tigers shot only 27% from the field in the second half, but kept it close as the Gauchos couldn't catch a break from the officials.  With 11 minutes remaining in the contest, Riverside had attempted 25 free throws to Saddleback's one, as the Tigers remained within striking distance for the majority of the contest.

Saddleback, however, would not be denied as the Gauchos found a way to get to the free throw line in the final minutes.  The Gauchos made 8-of-9 from the charity stripe down the stretch, turning back a Riverside program that had upset on their minds.

McKay LaSalle led the Saddleback attack, frustrating Riverside from the outside.  LaSalle was deadly from three-point range, making 6-of-12 from downtown in scoring a season-high 18 points.  A.J. Brevard was also critical down the stretch, making six straight free throws as the Gauchos battled foul problems. 

Saddleback was outshot 31-10 at the free throw line, but dominated every other aspect of the game.  The Gauchos outrebounded the Tigers 37-29 and held Riverside to just 3-of-15 from three-point range. 

For Saddleback, it was the second straight conference title and third in five years since Andy Ground (pictured) took over the program in 2008-09.  Interestingly, the other two conference titles went to Riverside.

The win was the 14th straight for Saddleback, dating back to December 20.  It is the longest winning streak for the Gauchos since winning 16 straight games in 2008-09.

Saddleback will finish off the regular season at Santa Ana College on Friday night.  Tip time is set for 5:30 PM.