CRC MEN OPEN CHABOT HOLIDAY CLASSIC TONIGHT VS LASSEN

HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cosumnes River men's basketball team wraps up their nonconference schedule this weekend when they participate in the 47^th Annual Chabot College Holiday Classic.  The three-day event begins tonight when the Hawks take on the Lassen Cougars for the third time this season.

CRC travels to Hayward today for three games in three consecutive days, following a two-week break for finals and holidays.  Head Coach James Giacomazzi and his team will open the event tonight at 5 PM against Lassen College of Susanville, in the third match-up of the year for these two programs.  Lassen has taken the first two games, one a 97-94 victory on opening night, and the other a 95-85 victory over CRC in Susanville during the Lassen College Classic.  Cosumnes River dropped the first game of that event to Lassen, before winning the next two, entering the break with a 10-3 overall record.  They'll look to improve that mark against the Cougars tonight.

#15-ranked Lassen enters the tournament with a 12-7 overall record following their taking of the consolation championship at last week's West Valley tournament.  The Cougars opened up the tournament with a 76-68 loss to #4-ranked Ohlone, before taking contests against Monterey Peninsula and Foothill.  Overall the Cougars have won seven of their last nine games, and look to enter play in the Golden Valley Conference on a high note following a quality showing this weekend.

Cosumnes River enters play today having won four of their last five games, and 10 of their last 12, as the Hawks are currently ranked 20^th in the State.  CRC enters a difficult stretch in their schedule to conclude play, as three of their next four games are on the road.  The Hawks will play three games this weekend in the Chabot tournament before opening Big 8 play on the road, against #7-ranked Diablo Valley.  They'll then return home for two consecutive home games against crosstown rivals American River, and Sacramento City, respectively.

CRC continues play tomorrow at 1 PM against Las Positas College of Livermore.  They'll wrap up the tournament by taking on host Chabot College on Monday at 5 PM.  It'll be the third time the teams have played this season as well, with each team having won one contest.