CONFERENCE CHAMPION CRC CLOSES REGULAR SEASON TONIGHT VS SANTA ROSA

SACRAMENTO, Calif.- The 2015 Big 8 Conference champion Cosumnes River men's basketball team wraps up their regular season schedule tonight at 7:30, when they play host to defending state champion Santa Rosa.  The Hawks are looking to extend their winning streak to 12 games tonight, and to finish the season sweep of the Bear Cubs.

The Hawks enter tonight's game with an 11 game winning streak, following their 67-61 victory over the Modesto Pirates on Tuesday night.  With the victory, CRC claimed the Big 8 conference championship title outright, winning the championship for the first time since 2010.  The team also completed their season sweep of Modesto, who currently sit in last place of the Big 8.

Cosumnes River took a double-digit lead early in the contest against the Pirates, but MJC's hot shooting from the perimeter kept them in the ballgame.  In all, the Pirates knocked down 12 three-pointers, shooting 40% from behind the arc to keep the deficit in single digits through the end of the game.  A short-handed Hawks team played lackluster defense throughout the contest as well, leaving a window for MJC to make a late run to get back in the game.

Two Hawks recorded double-digits in scoring, led by sophomore guard Phil Randles with 22 points.  Randles shot 6-12 from three-point range to lead CRC, while also contributing three rebounds and an assist in the win.  Forward David Straughter also scored in double-figures, contributing 17 points and nine rebounds in the contest.  Sophomore Mitchell Love also put together a strong performance, scoring nine points while dishing six assists, and grabbing four steals.  Freshman forward Daylon Potts contributed 10 rebounds off the bench in 30 minutes of play.

For the Pirates, the offense was led by the hot shooting of a trio of freshmen.  Forward Joe Hamilton contributed 13 points on the strength of three three-pointers.  He also added seven rebounds in the loss.  Guards Blake Terry and Luka Petkovic each knocked down three three-pointers themselves, scoring 11 points and nine points respectively.  Freshman forward Jake Danhoff had a quality outing, scoring 12 points and adding six rebounds for the Pirates.

CRC tips off tonight against defending state champion Santa Rosa at 7:30 PM at Clark Court.  The Hawks have already qualified for the postseason, earning an automatic berth as a conference champion.  The Bear Cubs are looking to play themselves into the postseason, as they currently sit tied for third place in the Big 8.  Cosumnes River defeated Santa Rosa 69-58 earlier this season in Santa Rosa.