Hawks Defeat Vikings to Start Big 8 Conference Play

SACRAMENTO (12-19) – Cosumnes River came home to start Big 8 Conference play against Diablo Valley College. The Hawks never trailed and defeated the Vikings 73-59.

In the first half, Keilen Valdry drained three three-pointers in the first five minutes of the game. The Hawks' full court pressure and trapping on defense, along with Valdry's perimeter scoring, catapulted the Hawks to an early lead that they would never relinquish. The Hawks led 39-25 at halftime.

In the second half, Khari Hutt and Paul Ohiri came on strong in the second half. The Hawks stretched a second half lead to as many as twenty-three and the Hawks stayed in control for a 73-59 victory over the Vikings.

Head coach Jonathan James reflected on the victory, "Our guys played well defensively. I think the last two weeks have been huge in that development. We are steadily getting a feel offensively. It was good to see Valdry get going tonight."

Hutt had twenty-four points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block, Valdry had nineteen points and two rebounds, Marcus Robinson had ten points, three rebounds, four assists and one steal and Ohiri had nine pts and ten rebounds.

The next game for the Hawks will be next Friday against Folsom Lake College in Folsom.