In their Southern California Regional Final game against Santiago Canyon College, the Cerritos College men's basketball team saw their season come to and end with a 89-67 loss. The Falcons (20-10), who were the #8-seeded team, suffered their second loss of the season to the Hawks (28-2), who are the #1-seeded team in Southern California. The win sends Santiago Canyon to the CCCAA State Tournament, which will take place next week at West Hills-Lemoore College.

One of the top scoring teams in the state, Santiago Canyon converted 47% of their field goals, which included netting eight three-pointers. Cerritos tried to stay even with their outside shooting, but were limited to just 4-for-21 from long range. The Hawks were led by Antoine Jenkins, who ranks in the top five in the state in points and three-pointers. He finished with 32 points, but was limited to just a pair of three-pointers on the night.

Through the first half, the Falcons were able to stay within striking distance, even though the Hawks Lucas Holden opened the game by netting his first two three-pointers. Down, 18-8, Cerritos pulled to within 21-15 after a pair of free throws from freshman Cerroy Chenault (Warren HS). They closed the game to 25-21 when sophomore Jacob Washington (Washington Prep HS/Los Angeles Harbor College) converted a layup with 5:24 left in the first half.

But Santiago Canyon did was they do best, which is score points in bunches. They closed out the half on a 17-11 run for a 42-32 lead at intermission.

Five quick points from Jenkins to start the second half put Cerritos behind, 47-32 and were never able to get any closer the remainder of the game.

Chenault led the team with 13 points, while the duo of Washington (eight rebounds) and freshman Joshua Harrison (Onate, NM HS) each posted 11 points. Freshman Jaishon Forte (Rancho Verde HS) contributed 11 points and six rebounds, with freshman Joshua Belvin (St. Anthony HS) posting eight points and six rebounds off the bench.