Late run not enough for Pirates in loss to Dons
COSTA MESA -- An early barrage of baskets by Santa Ana College helped set the tempo for the rest of the night as the Orange Coast College men's basketball team fell to the visiting Dons, 76-66, on Wednesday night inside the Peterson Gym.
SAC (12-6, 2-2 in Orange Empire Conference) drained seven 3-pointers in the first half and 11 for the game, putting Coast (9-10, 0-4) in a 42-28 hole at the half.
The Dons' lead grew to as many as 25 points before the Pirates finally were able to slow down the SAC offense and find some baskets of their own.
A 21-6 Coast run over a seven-minute span helped bring the hosts to within 10 at 74-64 with 2:24 left. OCC picked up a turnover and had a good look at a 3-pointer to get to within single digits, but the shot missed its mark and the Dons held on for the victory.
Five Santa Ana players hit double figures in scoring, led by Chase Miller and Raymond Barros, who each notched 14 points. Barros came off of the bench and went 5-of-6 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point range.
Martin Kim added 13 points, while Terryn Large and Cammie Lewis each chipped in 11.
For the Pirates, Wakim Wakim led the way with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Jordan Pellum and John Joyce each added 10.
Strong play was also turned in by reserve center Daniel Dedeaux, who grabbed a team-best 10 rebounds (six offensive) in just 11 minutes of action to go along with five points.
The Pirates will return to action on Wednesday at Cypress College, beginning at 7:30 p.m. OCC's next home game is Friday, Feb. 1 against Saddleback, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
