Men’s Basketball Rolls in SoCal Regional Round One

It was all Riverside from the get go as the men's basketball team played host to the LA Southwest College Cougars in the first round of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Southern Regional playoffs. There were only two lead changes in the game as the Tigers grabbed the advantage five minutes in and never looked back leading to a 79-63.

Riverside shot an impressive 50.8 percent from the floor with 48 points coming inside the paint. They made it rain from long range as well by carting an impressive 37.5 three point shooting percentage to highlight a strong offensive output. Furthermore, Riverside crashed the boards for 38 rebounds which was 10 boards better than the Cougars. This led to 15 second-chance points.

The deadliest triggerman came in the form of sophomore forward Jalen Monroe as he bucketed 19 points on a 7-for-10 mark from the hardwood. He added 13 rebounds to complete a double-double.

"As long as we got the win, I am happy," said Monroe.

It is his ninth double-digit scoring mark of the season, but Monroe was focused on the road ahead.

"We are going to stay focused, execute our plays in practice and get the game plan and scouting report for East LA."

Riverside advances to the second round for the third-consecutive season and will hit the road to face off against the South's third-ranked Huskies in enemy territory. The Tigers fell to the Huskies, 83-72, in mid-December despite holding a four point lead at halftime.

The Tigers have experienced many ups and downs throughout the year. They are currently riding a two-game winning streak and the team feels stronger than ever according to Monroe.

"It's a brotherhood inside and outside of the locker room. We trust each other and without trust you do not have anything. We are going to hold each other accountable and we will continue to work to get dubs."

Freshman duo Tomi Adesiji and Reggie Ward each contributed in a big way by each scoring 14 points. Adesiji dished out two assists, while Ward pocketed four rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Sophomore center Raymond Hawkins had the strongest performance off the bench as he dropped 12 points including a mammoth jam in the second half. It was his third double-digit showing in the last four games.