Warriors men’s basketball bounces back, wins against Pasadena City College

By Michelle Claire Pentreath • November 22, 2025

As soon as the buzzer rang, you could hear the sound of back-to-back baskets falling through the net for Pasadena City College.

Five minutes into the game, El Camino College Warriors forward Justin Cricri made a hook shot giving his team a beat to regroup.

Justin Cricri lines up to shoot his free-throw award to him after a foul. As the game continues many free throw shots were awarded throughout the games two, 20 minute quarters. (Isaac Ramirez|The Union) — Justin Cricri lines up to shoot his free-throw award to him after a foul. As the game continues many free throw shots were awarded throughout the games two, 20 minute quarters. (Isaac Ramirez |The Union)

Improving to 5-2 overall, the Warriors men’s basketball team earned a win, 63-55, against the Lancers (1-3) at the ECC Gym Complex on Friday, Nov. 21.

The Warriors lost their previous game to the (1-3) Grossmont College Griffins in a 98-84 matchup on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

“Our mentality was that we had to come back and get a positive win against a way better team and lock into our defense and offense,” Warriors point guard Kai Johnson said.

Kai Johnson throws from the free throw line after being award a foul. Johnson competes two successful baskets and gains an additional two points for Ell Camino College Warriors. (Isaac Ramirez|The Union) — Kai Johnson throws from the free throw line after being award a foul. Johnson competes two successful baskets and gains an additional two points for Ell Camino College Warriors. (Isaac Ramirez |The Union)

The Lancers came in shooting 38.2 % from the 3-point line. ECC came in shooting 29.8% from the 3-point line, but the statistics proved to be true at the start of the game.

Lancer’s guard Gor-El Zollicofer entered the game with a 48.1 3 point percentage % & an field goal percentage of 51.4% clearing baskets in the first five minutes until defense for the Warriors came through.

Cricri halted to PCC’s 3-point momentum, forcing them to drive to the basket.

The Warriors were ready for this game, well prepped in their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. The goal was to execute their strategy and they suceeded.

By the nine-minute mark in the first half, Johnson blocked Lancers forward Donovan Ford and came down to hit a 3-pointer to give his team momentum.

The two competitors were toe-to-toe as a rebound by sophomore forward Ford came down the court for a pretty slam dunk, giving them a point advantage.

As the game develops through the quarters the fight to win becomes more prevalent in the athletes. Both teams fight their way to the ball in hopes of their team's possession. (Isaac Ramirez|The Union) — As the game develops through the quarters the fight to win becomes more prevalent in the athletes. Both teams fight their way to the ball in hopes of their team’s possession. (Isaac Ramirez|The Union)

By halftime, the score was 25-27 with ECC at a slim advantage.

In the nine minute mark of the second half, Warriors guard Rocco Gaffoglio stole the ball for a 3-pointer.

A close game continued as baskets were missed for all and defense increasing for both teams with fouls increasing.

Cricri dominated the game until he got an shoulder injury during the last quarter of the second half and was pulled out of the game.

By the end of the game, the Warriors had won over all the momentum to finish strong.

“We just had a tough loss against Grossmont and so as a team, we just wanted to send a message to come together, get a good bounce back win,” Warriors guard Vaitai Tuione said.

Both Pasadenas City College Lancers and El Camino College Warriors battle it out on the court and fight for the balls possessions. Jumping and pushing are to be expected when viewing the Nov 21, 2025 game. (Isaac Ramirez|The Union) — Both Pasadenas City College Lancers and El Camino College Warriors battle it out on the court and fight for the balls possessions. Jumping and pushing are to be expected when viewing the Nov 21, 2025 game. (Isaac Ramirez |The Union)

This is Spencer Nunes first year as Pasadena City College’s interim coach but fourth year with the program.

“We’re trying to live to our standard. You know the scoreboard is just a reflection of what we try to do every day,” Nunes said pre-game.

The Warriors are already preparing for their next game against the Porterville College Pirates (0-5) at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, in the ECC Gym Complex.