With both teams coming out launching three-pointers, it was some crucial second half defense that helped the Cerritos College men's basketball team defeat El Camino College. Through the first 14 minutes of the first half, both the Falcons and Warriors combined for 13 three-pointers. A second half offensive run propelled Cerritos to their 95-86 South Coast Conference South Division win. The victory was the second in a row for the Falcons (16-6, 2-3), who will get a chance to close in on divisional leader ECC Compton Center (22-3, 5-0) at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. In their first meeting, the Tartars escaped with a 90-89 decision.

Getting the team off to a fast start was sophomore Tyler Payne (La Mirada HS), who drained four first half three-pointers. He was in a shooting contest with Warriors guard Jamal Heckard, who also netted a quartet of first half three-pointers.

It was a close 57-57 game with 13:01 left in the second half until El Camino turned to both Heckard and Keywhon Powns, who helped them open up a double-digit lead 72-62 with 9:07 remaining. Slowly, a combination of Warrior miscues, coupled with Cerritos using their aggressive approach to the basket allowed them to start cutting away at the deficit.

Freshman Malik Smith (Gahr HS) converted a three-point play with 3:00 left to get the team to within 81-80, and when sophomore guard Salvador Carlos (Downey HS/Biola University) drained a three-pointer, the Falcons led, 83-82 with 2:16 remaining.

After struggling through most of the second half at the free throw line, Cerritos started converting from the charity stripe once they took the lead. In the final minute of the game, the Falcons connected on 10-of-12 to secure the win.

Payne and Carlos each scored 20 points in the win and combined for 13 rebounds, while sophomore Brian Nebo (St. John Bosco HS) scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half to help aid the team in their comeback, with his nine rebounds leading all players. Sophomore Cristian Perez (Santa Fe HS) added 12 points and seven rebounds, with sophomore forward Anthony Lefeau (Orange Lutheran HS) posted 10 points. Heckard led all scored with 29 points for El Camino.

Photos by Daryl Peterson