CRC DEFEATS LOS MEDANOS IN MENDOCINO TOURNEY

Ukiah, Calif.- The Cosumnes River men's basketball team earned their first win of the season, defeating Los Medanos 78-53 in the consolation bracket at the John Hogue Memorial Tournament at Mendocino College.  The Hawks advance to take on the College of the Redwoods in the consolation final later this afternoon.  Tipoff is scheduled for 1 PM.

CRC put together two consecutive quality halves for the first time this season, taking an early double-digits lead against the Mustangs, and holding it for the duration of the contest to earn their first victory of the 2014-15 campaign.  The Hawks took an early lead, as the Hawks played unselfishly, spacing the floor and sharing the basketball against the Mustangs zone defense.  Head coach Giacomazzi took advantage of CRC's size, punishing Los Medanos inside, as the Hawks pushed the lead to as many as 16 points in the first half.  However the Mustangs rallied late, hitting shots and taking advantage of missed scoring opportunities by CRC, as Los Medanos closed the deficit to eight points at intermission.

The Hawks once again got off to a quick start to begin the second half, converting scoring opportunities inside the paint on three straight possessions to open the half.  Freshman guard Will White, who earned his first collegiate start, knocked down a big three-point shot to push the Hawks lead back to 16.  CRC wouldn't give the lead back, putting Los Medanos away and advancing to take on College of the Redwoods in the consolation final with a 73-58 victory.

Cosumnes River was led by White, who scored 18 points on 8-17 shooting on the night, also grabbing six rebounds and dishing nine assists, playing a season-high 39 minutes.  White also grabbed a steal and hit a pair of three's on the day, as he was one of five Hawks who scored in double-figures in the win.  Sophomore forward David Straughter recorded another double-double on the year, scoring 14 points while grabbing 10 rebounds.  Straughter also added two blocks, an assist and a steal.  Freshman center Donald Mims scored 10 points while grabbing seven rebounds and recording five blocks.

CRC will take on the College of the Redwoods today in the consolation final at 1 PM.  The Corsairs advance after defeating tournament host Mendocino College 81-70 in their consolation bracket game yesterday afternoon.  Redwoods fell to Big 8 opponent Modesto JC in the tournament's opening round, falling to the Pirates 78-54.  Cosumnes River returns to action following this tournament in December, when they host the James Clark Classic.