Battling back from a 14-point second half deficit, the Cerritos College men's basketball team came up short in a 75-73 non-conference game on Wednesday. The Falcons (2-4) will host Fullerton College at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Trailing 61-47 with 10:52 left in the second half, a collapsing defense and fast break offense got them back in the game. A three-pointer from Dorian Harris (Cerritos HS) was followed by a three-point play from Joshua Belvin (St. Anthony HS) to get the team to within 65-59 with 8:06 on the clock. A short jumper by Jalen Washington (Bishop Montgomery HS) drew Cerritos to within 68-66 with 3:00 remaining, but the Falcons were never able to tie the game or take the lead.

Both teams traded a pair of free throws on their next possession, followed by consecutive layups to keep it a two-point Bulldogs (7-1) lead. After a defensive rebound and Hancock timeout, a quick three-point attempt by Jeremiah Galang (Narbonne HS) was off line, while their next possession came up empty. A foul with 22 seconds remaining sent Mike Mensah to the line and he converted both for a four point Allan Hancock lead (74-70).

Washington converted one of two free throws, and was able to grab his own rebound. Looking for the final shot to tie the game on a three-pointer, the Bulldogs decided to foul Harris, who netted both free throws with :03 seconds left. A quick foul sent Hancock's Nick Chapman to the line, where he converted his first attempt, but missed the second. Joshua Harrison (Onate, NM HS) was able to get off a long shot attempt, but it was off line and the Falcons suffered the loss.

Jaishon Forte (Rancho Verde HS) and Harris shared the team lead with 12 points each, while Belvin produced nine points, with Jahlen Jack (Centennial, GA HS) adding eight points. The trio of Harrison, Jacob Washington (Washington Prep HS/Los Angeles Harbor College) and Cerroy Chenault (Warren HS) all turned in seven points, with Forte leading the team with seven rebounds.

Photos by Daryl Peterson