ELAC Men’s Hoops Update, 2.26.16

Note From The Editor:  This call out goes to ELAC Men’s Basketball fans, the student body, the East L.A. community and the school’s surrounding cities who support college hoops. This one’s for you. Time to gear up and make it out to the Campus Gymnasium this Saturday, 2/27/16  at 7 pm,  as the Huskies open up their fourth consecutive run to the California Community College Athletic Association’s (CCCAA)  State Championship Tournament and its “Final Four.”

The “Huskies”  open up in this 2nd round clash with the Cerritos College “Falcons”  in a rematch from their season schedule. The Huskies prevailed in the  high-scoring game in overtime on 1/20 by a score of (93-87) and are expecting another tough battle come tomorrow night. But, Head Coach, John Mosley,  has his team ready for the match-up regardless. Make sure you come out a little earlier than usual as this will bring many new fans into the gym to see the team very up close and personal. For those of you who can’t make it out, we will do the game “Play-By-Play”  and post it up for your viewing as quickly as time allows.

Now, let’s offer you a brief recap of the team’s final four games of the regular season as reported by our contributor, Tadzio Garcia and myself, Rico Cabrera, Sr. and see how they built the all important “momentum”  they’re asking to carry them through the post-season playoffs and their determined March into the Madness!

 Huskies Finish Strong And Set Sights On Cerritos In 2nd Round Playoff Action 

During Week #6, the East Los Angeles College men’s basketball team unfortunately split two “key” conference match-ups and lost its bid for a #2 seed for the playoffs, and an outright South Coast Conference (SCC)  title. ELAC lost (77-73) at Mt. San Antonio College  on 1/22, but then bounced right back and edged Pasadena City College  on 1/27 by a final of (75-71) to earn their much-needed split.

In rcapping the all-critical game at Mt. SAC, there were nine lead changes and four ties in the first half. Mt. SAC lead at the break, (30-27). ELAC’s largest lead was 5 points; Mt. SAC’s was three. The Mounties built their largest lead, (45-33) with 15:49 remaining in the game. ELAC tied it at 12:38 left when freshman guard Sequan Walker  hit a very badly needed 3-point shot.

With Mt. SAC leading (75-73), ELAC sophomore forward Richard Bivens missed two free throws with 17.8 seconds left. Mt. SAC hit two meaningless free throws with .02 of a second left for the wins. The Huskies lost the game at the free throw line and only hit 15-of-37 (40.5%). Mt. SAC connected on 29-of-37 free throws (78.4%). “You have to make free throws if you want to win championships,” said ELAC Head Coach, John Mosley.

Against Pasadena, the game had (24) lead changes. With 1:02 remaining in the contest, ELAC broke the game’s 16th tie when sophomore Chima Wami connected on two free throws for a Huskie (73-71) lead. Eight seconds later ELAC sophomore forward Arinze Anakwenze blocked a key Pasadena shot attempt. The Huskies sealed the win when sophomore guard Jarrell Tate  made two free throws with 0:16 seconds left for the (75-71)  win.

Going into the final week #7 tilts, ELAC, possessed a (22-3) overall record and were (5-1) in the SCC North. They took care of their business and defeated El Camino-Compton  (102-93) on 2/17 and then took out L.A. Trade Tech, (76-57) on 2/19. The two wins enabled the Huskies to tie for the SCC/North Division crown with Mt. SAC, while also tying its 42-year  school record for most wins in a season.

And now, to repeat the great news—–because the Huskies, at (24-3), earned themselves a well-deserved #4 seeding, they drew a first round BYE and host the Cerritos “Falcons,“ (20-9) on Saturday at 7 p.m. An ELAC win advances the Huskies to a possible “Sweet 16”  home game Wednesday March 2nd. It’s the right time to come on out and support this very successful team. Hope to see you there so we can all begin to feel the oncoming “Madness of March.”  Go Huskies!!

 Photo Credits:  Tadzio Garcia, Photojournalist For EastLASportScene.Com & Mario Villegas, Volunteer, ELAC Athletic Department.

 Story Credits: Tadzio Garcia, Co-Contributor to EastLASportsScnee.Com and Rico Cabrera, Sr./Managing Editor, EastLASportsScene.Com

Photo Gallery Viewing Tip:  Hover over selected picture and click once for an enhanced image.

Salute To Our Veterans;  We continue with our unique mentions of our dedicated military veterans. Sometimes it’s just a glance, or a thoughtful remembrance of all those who served, that will make us take some appropriate action to help and support all veterans, young, very seasoned, and/or the wounded. Based on that, please consider a donation made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Thanks in advance!