Hawks catch USK, FIrebirds pull away

2021-22 SAN DIEGO CHRISTIAN MEN’S BASKETBALL

ECS staff report

SAN MARCOS —- San Diego Christian College men’s basketball mounted a huge, second-half deficit to pull even with University of St. Katherine, but the host Firebirds controlled the final 90 seconds to survive, 78-74, in Thursday’s (Nov. 11) Veteran’s Day non-conference contest held at the new USK Sports Complex.

The Hawks (1-3) were down 40-25 early in the second half but drew even at 74-all on a Tristan Angelo jump shot with 1:35 remaining in regulation.

Both ballclubs had possession in the final minute. Finally, USKforward Xavier Gallardo drove the lane took the ball to the basket for a go-ahead layin with 18 seconds remaining.

The Hawks’ last chance, unfortunately, resulted in a turnover, as the Firebirds close out the decision with a pair of foul shots with 0:08 left.

SDCC’s rally saw Angelo tally 11 of his 15 points in the second half. Also coming off the bench was Dillon Voyles, who collected off of his 11 points over the final 20 minutes.

For St. Katherine (1-0), Kody Clouet was one of four players to score in double figures, recording a game-best 19 points. Adding 13 points were Cesar Meza and Darius Jackson.

San Diego Christian next plays on Tuesday (Nov. 16), meeting an NCAA Division I school in UC San Diego at RIMAC Arena in La Jolla at 7 p.m.