Down by five points at halftime to Cerritos College, the men’s basketbal team was unable to stop the Falcons on the offensive end, allowing 68 percent during second half, and were outscored 45-31, which resulted in its loss (75-56) on Feb.12.
During the first minutes, the Warriors were down by eight points, but forward Julian Dakdouk hit multiple key three point shots, which led to them gaining the lead 13-12. Dakdouk finished with nine points and three rebounds.
“We came out early during the first ten minutes of play,” coach Robert Uphoff said. “Our inability to score the basketball in the second half was the difference maker as we only shot 29 percent from the field.”
Several players for the Falcons ended in double figures, and the lack of defense gave Cerritos to ability to score at will. It seemed the Warriors were giving the game away, as the Falcons blew past their defense, which led to a 22 point lead with six minutes left to play.
“I was very disappointed in the lack of defense,” Uphoff said. “It is typical this time of the season due to the fact of our season record.”
The Warriors only converted 11 out of 41 shots in the second half, while the Falcons clutched 15 of 22 shots.
“We should have fouled more, and made them earn their points from the free throw line,” Uphoff said. “A few of our starters finished with only one or two personal fouls, and should have used that to their advantage.”
Forward Elmo Smith led the way on offense for the Warriors, scoring 11 points and grabbing five offensive rebounds. Sterling Miller added to that with eight points and four rebounds. Marcus Clark added seven points and two steals.
The men were out of sync, turning the ball over 17 times, and the Falcons tallied up 21 assists to the Warriors 10.
“Hopefully, next season we will bring more energy and tempo in order for us to turn around this losing streak,” Uphoff said.
With two games left, the Warriors are (2-20), losing 17 games in a row, and will face Los Angeles Harbor College away this Wednesday at 7 p.m., and their final meet against LA Southwest at home Friday.