Hawks Beat Pirates 70-46

MODESTO (1-11) - The Hawks traveled down Highway 99 to Modesto to take on Modesto Junior College in Big 8 Conference play. The Hawks outscored the Pirates by eighteen in the second half to win 70-46.

In their last game, the Hawks won 75-72, in overtime, over Santa Rosa Junior College while the Pirates lost 105-100, in double overtime, in Sacramento on Tuesday.

In the first half, play started a bit slow for both teams. The Hawks picked up three quick fouls and called a thirty second timeout to settle down as the score was 4-4 with 16:27 to play. Over the next 5 minutes, both teams struggled to score. The Hawks got looks in half court execution but did not convert. The Pirates held a 11-9 lead with 10:57 to play until Marcus Robinson broke down the Pirates' defense, drew two defenders, and dished off an and-one assist to Paul Ohiri in the paint. With the game tied at 15-15 with a little more than eight minutes remaining, the Hawks scored on back-to back possessions. Khari Hutt assisted to Samuel Cota for a midrange jumper in the paint, and then Ohiri kicked out an assist from the post for an open three from Robinson on the wing. From that point, the Hawks took control. The Hawks led 35-29 at halftime.

In the second half, play was a tale of good defense, consistent rebounding, and scoring in transition. The Hawks kept the pace of play fast and scored by attacking the Pirates' zone and forced the Pirates to scramble on defense. The Hawks continued to extend their lead throughout the half as the Hawks won their second consecutive game.

Robinson had fifteen points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal, Cota had twelve points and four rebounds and Ohiri had eleven points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block.

The next game for the Hawks is Tuesday as they take on Sierra College in Sacramento at 5:30 pm.