Competing in their first tournament of the season, the Cerritos College men's basketball team was defeated in the championship game of the Irvine Valley Tournament on Friday. The Falcons (1-2) opened with a 70-43 win over Ventura College and were then defeated, 63-59 in the finals by the host Lasers. Next up for Cerritos will be a 6:00 p.m. non-conference game at Palomar College on Wednesday.

Cerritos vs. Ventura: In their opening game of the tournament, the Falcons picked up their first win of the season after shooting 50% from the field, while also out-rebounding the Pirates, 41-31. With Cerritos leading, 10-8, freshman Dorian Harris (Cerritos HS) drained a three-pointer and followed it by converting one of two free throws after a Ventura turnover with 10:50 left in the first half. That was followed by consecutive baskets from sophomore Daelyn Bams (Villa Park HS) and freshman Joshua Belvin (St. Anthony HS) to help the Falcons extend their lead to 18-8. Later on in the half, sophomore Jalen Washington (Bishop Montgomery HS) connected on four free throws for a 24-11 advantage. Cerritos took a 32-18 lead into halftime, and came out on fire in the second half with freshman Cerroy Chenault (Warren HS) draining a three-pointer to extend the lead to 17 points. The lead swelled to 26 points (55-29) after sophomore Jeremiah Galang (Narbonne HS) made good on his three-point attempt. As a team, Cerritos shot 61.5% from the field in the second half. The Falcons received a balanced scoring attack, with just two players scoring in double-figures. Jacob Washington (Washington Prep HS/Los Angeles Harbor College) finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Jahlen Jack (Centennial, GA HS) added 10 points in the win, with 11 of 12 players who saw action adding to the scoresheet. Jalen Washington, who recorded eight points, also dished out eight assists and pulled down five rebounds, with Galang draining a trio of three-pointers for nine points. Bams added six points, six rebounds and three blocked shots.

Cerritos vs. Irvine Valley: Trailing 58-51 with 1:08 left in the second half, Jalen Washington netted a jumper with :52 second left. After a quick foul, in which the Lasers (4-0) made one of two free throws, another basket by Jalen Washington drew the Falcons to within 59-55 with :34 seconds left. Two more Cerritos fouls produced two more converted free throws for Irvine Valley. A Jack layup was followed by a steal from Belvin, who fed Jack for another basket and a 61-59 game with :09 seconds left. The Falcons recorded another turnover as time was running out, but they turned the ball over and had to foul, with the Lasers converting both free throws for the final score. Jacob Washington (15 points, seven rebounds) and Jack (14 points, four rebounds, three assists) led Cerritos on the night. Bams and Galang each chipped in with six points.