Falcons flip the script, win in final seconds

After losing their last three games by a combined total of six points, the FLC men's basketball team was desperate to grab a win.  That's exactly what they did on Tuesday night at Falcon Gym, when they defeated Modesto 75-74, with sophomore Grant Bellis calmly sinking two free throws with less than two seconds remaining.  After trailing by 12 points midway through the second half, the Falcons began to peck away at the lead.  They cut it to 8 points with 8 minutes to play, then to 4 points with 4 minutes left, and finally seized the lead at 68-67 on Clayton Davis' two free throws with 2:58 to play.  The teams traded the lead several times in those final minutes when, with just 18 seconds left and protecting a one point lead, the Falcons lost possession.  The Pirates missed their shot with 8 seconds left, but grabbed the offensive rebound and scored to go ahead by one with 6 seconds to play.  Instead of calling timeout, FLC coach Bill Benford elected to let his Falcons push the ball up the floor and hope for a disorganized Pirate defense.  Grant Bellis attacked the lane and was fouled on his shot attempt, leading to his game-winning free throws with 1.8 seconds left.  The Pirates desperation heave was intercepted by the Falcons, but a traveling call gave them one more chance with .7 seconds left.  That shot hit the back of the rim as time expired, and the Falcons had ended their losing streak.  Falcon sophomores Clayton Davis (18 pts), Chris Fairchild (13 pts, 8 rebounds), and Grant Bellis (12 pts) were all instrumental in securing the win with their all-out hustle.  Freshman Pierce Rexford recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. 

The Falcons will take on Delta College on Thursday evening in Stockton before next Tuesday's final home game of the season against Sierra.