Unselfish Owls advance to face No. 1 seed, Fresno City
Inconsistency has plagued the men's basketball team at Foothill College, which has lost more than it's won.
Wednesday night on the road at American River in the opening round of the NorCal Regional, the unselfish version of the Owls prevailed 78-67.
"We can be really good at times and we also don't show up at times," Foothill coach Matt Stanley said. "Tonight our emotional state was really good, and when we share it and really pass the ball like we did tonight, we're really good."
The entire starting lineup cracked double figures for the first time all season, with Foothill sophomore Alex Aguilar scoring a team-high 13.
The No. 17 Owls (13-16) didn't get off to an inspiring start, trailing 9-2. By halftime, it was No. 16 American River (15-11) that found itself behind 33-32.
"Once we got out on the break and ran a little bit and got some easy buckets, we really got into rhythm," Stanley said.
The hosts went on a run midway through the second half to move ahead by six points, but a couple of key 3-pointers helped the Owls reclaim the lead for good with about seven minutes left.
"And then we just methodically pushed it," Stanley said.
Sophomore guard JJ Espanola provided the killer blow with a 3-pointer to open a 10-point lead with about two minutes left.
"It was kind of like a dagger," Stanley said. "And then we made free throws down the stretch."
Foothill next travels to top-seeded Fresno City (28-3) on Saturday night.
Last year the Owls lost 73-61 in the same round to the same team. The only difference? Fresno City was the No. 2 seed, while Foothill was the No. 15 seed.
"Of course we have a chance, everyone does," Stanley said. "We played them tough down there last year, so hopefully the sophomores who played last year, their experience will bode well."
http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_27601859/j-c-mens-basketball-unselfish-owls-advance-face