Mustangs Top Hawks 79-69

SACRAMENTO (1-3) – The Hawks started the calendar year as they took on San Joaquin Delta College in Sacramento. The Mustangs defeated the Hawks 79-69.

Both teams won their last game. The Hawks won 77-66 over Folsom Lake College in Folsom on Friday while the Mustangs won 80-61 over Modesto Junior College on Friday in Stockton.

In the first half, the Hawks fell into a quick deficit to start the game and found themselves down by as many as eighteen points. Lackluster play on offense against the Mustangs' zone was unlike the game against Folsom Lake where the Hawks played extremely well against the Falcons' zone. The Mustangs led 42-28 at halftime

In the second half, the Hawks had a much improved performance. The Hawks' defense was much more disruptive to the Mustangs and the zone offense was more aggressive and tougher to contain. Drew Buggs was a presence around the glass, cleaning up shots and getting to the free throw line shooting 5-6 as well as racking up rebounds. Buggs finished with a double-double outing with nineteen points and ten rebounds. Khari Hutt had several key baskets to gain momentum and helped the Hawks consistently cut into the deficit. The Hawks cut the Mustangs' lead to 67-64 and had the ball. Coach Jonathan James had called a timeout to organize the players on the next possession. Unfortunately, out of the timeout, the Hawks turned it over and the Mustangs hit a transition three to take back the momentum and expanded the lead to 70-64. The Hawks missed some quick shots in the waning moments as the Mustangs won 79-69.

Khari Hutt had nineteen points, Marcus Robinson had fifteen points and Keilen Valdry had twelve points.

The next game for the Hawks is Saturday as they take on Sacramento City College at 1:00pm in Sacramento.