SACRAMENTO (12-1) – In consolation championship of the James Clark Classic, Cosumnes River took on Reedley College. The Hawks lost 72-71 to the Tigers.
In the first half, the Hawks played well in a tight first half. In the final two minutes of clock time, the Hawks did not make a basket. During that span, the Tigers hit two three pointers and took a 35-26 lead into the halftime break.
In the second half, both teams had some momentum swings offensively. The Hawks fought back to trim the Tigers' lead to two with ten minutes remaining. However, Reedley made a run of their own to take their largest lead of the game at twelve. With just under four minutes left, the Hawks pressed and trapped, forced turnovers, and scored in transition as well as hitting free throws line. With four seconds left, the Hawks trimmed the Tigers' lead to one point with Reedley in the 1-and-1 bonus. Reedley missed the ensuing free throws which the Hawks subsequently rebounded. Kenneth Cooley heaved a desperation half-court shot that missed as the Hawks fell.
Drew Buggs had eighteen points and nine rebounds, Paul Ohiri had eighteen points and twelve rebounds and Khari Hutt scored twelve points.
Head Coach Jonathan James said after the game, "We have a lot of guys still learning how to be college basketball players. You can see our youth in crucial moments in tonight's game. Overall, I like how we fought and maintained composure. I am proud of my guys. The learning curve was expected. I am excited because we have not played our best basketball yet."
The next game for the Hawks will be Thursday as they take on CCCAA #15 Fresno City in Modesto at 1 pm. The game is a part of the 81st Annual MJC Classic hosted by Modesto Junior College.