CRC drops opening game to Bakersfield at Roundball Classic @ WHCL

CRC drops opening game to Bakersfield at Roundball Classic @ WHCL

CRC Hawks (1-1) vs. Bakersfield (0-0)

@ West Hills College-Lemoore

Lemoore, Calif -- The Hawks (1-1) started the 3-day inaugural Roundball Classic at West Hills College-Lemoore with a matchup against Bakersfield (0-0). Cosumnes River had some offensive highlights with season highs in scoring from guards Brandon Gray (20pts) and Adam Orr (18pts). The team was also able to reach the bonus at 13:43 in the half with their aggressive uptempo offensive play. Unfortunately, the team was settling for more perimeter shots than attacking the rim and didn't capitalize on the chance to get to the free-throw line with regularity.

Throughout the game, the Hawks seemed to struggle defensively by giving up 16 offensive rebounds which created unneeded second chance scoring opportunities for Bakersfield. This was a surprise to the coaching staff because this is what CRC men's basketball is known for…solid team defense. The Hawks were within 3 points at 55-52 with 11:08 remaining in the game. However, with a season low in team rebounds and season high in turnovers, Bakersfield kept the momentum. CRC never led in this contest and dropped the opening game of the tournament 82-75.

Next up for the Hawks is host school West Hills College-Lemoore at 6:00pm tomorrow.