Griffins doom Dons with late F.T. run

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: November 30, 2023

2023-24 GROSSMONT COLLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL

ECS staff report

Tue., Nov, 28
Grossmont 85, Santa Ana 80 BOXSCORE

FLETCHER HILLS – Elijah Williams Tyrone Lester each scored four points in the closing minutes …..

when the Griffins closed with a 13-3 scoring run to topple the Santa Ana College Dons, 85-80, in Tuesday’s (Nov. 28) non- conference game at The G-House.

Santa Ana trailed by seven points in the first half, but got even by 55-all in the second half. However, Brandon Tully converted three straight foul shots to re-take the lead.

But when Grossmont starting missingfoul shots — a season-long problem — the Dons took their first leasd since the early going, 77-72, with 2:09 remaining.

Fortunately, Grossmont woke up just in time to garner their first victoryin five
starts.

Tyrone Lester started the run with a pair
of layins to move back in front, 79-77,
with 50 seconds left. Grossmont then nailed
six straight fouls shots inend the
ballclub’s drought at the foul line.

Tully paced Grossmont with 17 points, while
Williams’ 16 points came from off the
bench, along with a team-high 5 assists.

Santa Ana (3-4) received 27 points from
Mac West,and 23 more from Kaden Minter, but
the balance of the rster shot a mere 36
percent (12-of-33) from the floor.

Starting on Friday (Dec. 1), the Griffins
will start the second century of the
Grossmont Invitational Tournament. The
event’s 51st season kicksoff with Grossmont
hosting Copper Mountan at 5 p.m.

Coach’s comments

Grossmont head coach Doug Weber:

“Great win for our guys. We’ve had a couple tough losses so its rewarding being on the winning side. We made more free throws than they shot — always a good indicator for a win.

We also had multiple guys in double figures and great contribution for our guys coming off the bench. Ujasiri “Banknote” McDonald provided a huge energy boost, scoring 9 of 11 points for us to take an 11-8 lead.

In our end game, we finally got a lead and then held on mostly by making some free throws but also made a couple key stops and continued to score and not have a four-minute lull like we did in the first half stuck on 17.

Tre Edwards had a really good game, very efficient on offense and a nice job defensively. Elijah Williams had at play out of position due to a couple guys missing and had another really good night scoring but leading the team.

And Brandon Tully for the second was our leading scorer continuing his success from last year.

We play Copper Mountain Friday and have our hands full. Coach Santa Cruz, the former Sonoma State assistant coach, does a great job this first year. One of the best defenses in southern California.