ELAC men’s basketball rallies for win

WHITTIER, CA — No. 8 state-ranked East Los Angeles College, down by 19 points with 2:11 remaining in the first half, rallied for a 33-point turn around in an 80-66 win against Rio Hondo College in a renewed rivalry South Coast Conference North Division game.

ELAC plays at LA Trade Tech next Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. and hosts No. 5 Chaffey College on Friday, Jan. 27 in the South Gym at 5 p.m.

Rio Hondo and Chaffey joined the SCC North from the now disbanded Foothill Conference, which began in 1988. Prior to that, ELAC, Rio Hondo and Chaffey were members of the Southern California Conference.

Jesus Jr. (Junior) Hernandez came off the bench and helped Rio Hondo to its 19-point 37-18 lead, with 16 points scored during that time. This included Hernandez shooting 40 percent from the floor, two 3-point baskets and 6-of-7 from the line. ELAC had committed 13 turnovers during this time.

After the deficit, the Huskies rally included connecting 53.8 percent of their 2-point baskets (21-of-39) and 87.5 percent of their 3-point baskets (7-of-8). ELAC averages 50.6 shooting percentage per game (2-point baskets), best in the state.

“Coach Mosley had a good talk with the team at the half and they adjusted with better defense and plays,” said ELAC Assistant Coach Darren French.

ELAC took its first lead in the second half, 49-48, with 11:18 remaining in the game off a freshman guard Frank Bertz (Sultana HS) layup from a sophomore guard Zeno Lake (Compton HS) assist.

After three lead changes and a tie, a Lake free throw gave ELAC the lead for good. Rio Hondo pulled within two, down 60-58 with 6:41 left, but the Huskies followed with a 13-2 run for a double-digit lead.

Sophomore guard Chandler Redix (Cathedral HS) connected on consecutive baskets, a layup and a 3-point jump shot that gave ELAC a 73-60 with 2:26 left.

Sophomore guard Sequan Walker (LB Cabrillo HS) led the Huskies scoring attack with 25 points. Four other Huskies scored double-digit points.

Lake had his third-consecutive double double in as many games. He scored 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Sophomore guard Jesus Zesati (St. John Bosco HS) scored 13 points, as did freshman guard Robert Fuller (St. Bernard HS).

Redix scored 12 points, had five rebounds and six assists. The Huskies had four blocked shots; two from sophomore forward Chima Wami (Corona Santiago HS).

Hernandez led all scorers with 26 points for Rio Hondo. He had nine rebounds.

The Huskies outrebounded Rio Hondo 38-28. ELAC’s rebound margin is fourth best in the state.

With the win, ELAC (14-5, 1-1) sits in a third place tie in the SCC North with Trade Tech (10-9, 1-1) who lost tonight 99-85 to Chaffey (16-6, 2-0). Chaffey sits on top of the SCC North with Mt. SAC (12-7, 2-0). Mt. SAC defeated Pasadena City College (5-14, 0-2) 82-66 tonight.

story submitted by Tadzio Garcia