Eagles Pull Away In Second Half, Reach State Final Eight
The MSJC men's basketball team out scored Citrus 54-32 in the second half on Wednesday night to blow open the game on their way to a 92-61 win in the Southern California Regional Semi-Finals.
The Eagles took the lead in the first 7 minutes of the contest and withstood a late first half run by the Owls to own a 38-29 halftime lead. In the second half the Eagles offense exploded behind PCAC North player of the year Dwayne Benjamin as he scored 16 of his game high 29 in the second 20 minutes. The Eagles shot well all night going 32-63 from the field in the game and dominated the glass as the out rebounded Citrus 50-23.
Sam Williams added 13 points and 7 rebounds in the win while Carlos McCormick had 11 points. Dajuan Smith and Danny Hopkins both just missed double figures on the evening with 9 points a piece. Mark Ware led the way on the boards as he grabbed a game high 8. The Eagles were able to work the ball inside all night as the scored 38 points in the paint.
With the win MSJC improved to 25-4 on the season and advanced to the State Final 8. The Eagles will play at San Bernardino Valley on Saturday with the winner earning a trip to the State Final Four at Cerritos. Citrus who was led in scoring by John roach with 14 end their season at 16-9.
Dwayne Benjamin had 29 points and 6 rebounds Wednesday night to help MSJC to State Final Eight as they beat Citrus 92-61.