SACRAMENTO, Calif.- The Cosumnes River men's basketball team tipped off the 35th Annual James Clark Classic last night with a 76-48 victory over the Columbia Claim Jumpers. The Hawks will look to continue their winning ways tonight, when they host Porterville in the second round of the three-day, double-elimination tournament.
The Hawks hosted Columbia in a match-up that also served as the team's home opener for the 2013-14 season. The game was evenly contested for much of the first-half, as the teams exchanged leads for much of the first ten minutes of the ball game. The Hawks began to pull ahead slightly during the final ten minutes of the first half, but the Claim Jumpers continued to hit big shots and converted their free throw attempts, keeping the game tight. Cosumnes River managed to take a six point advantage into the half, as they led 34-28 after 20 minutes of action. CRC pulled away in the second half however, as AJ Bridges once again led the Hawks offensive attack, scoring nine of his 18 points in the second half to put the game away for good. CRC built a 20 point advantage early in the second half, before pulling away late, as Cosumnes River defeated Columbia 76-48 in the opening round of the 35th Annual James Clark Classic. Tige Wingo was the lone Claim Jumpers player to score in double-figures, leading Columbia with 16 points.
Cosumnes River looks to continue their three-game winning streak tonight when they host Porterville College in the second round of the tournament. Tonight's game is schedule for 6 PM. Porterville is led by sophomore post Keith Villiamu, a 6'4" Long Beach native who's currently averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds per contest. Villiamu recorded another double-double last night, scoring 20 points while grabbing 10 rebounds, as the Pirates defeated the College of Alameda 88-86 in their first round contest. The winner of tonight's Cosumnes River-Porterville game will take on the winner of Chabot-Napa Valley. That game will follow the Hawks-Pirates at approximately 8 PM.
The tournament continues through Saturday with the consolation championship taking place at 12 PM. The third place game will follow at 2 PM, with the championship game to be held at 4 PM. Tickets are $6 for general admission, $4 for seniors, and $2 for children. Admission is always free for CRC students, staff and faculty. Concessions will be available to purchase at the event.