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Written by Laura Tapia
The Riverside City College men’s basketball team ended its 44th Annual Holiday Tournament on Dec. 11 where they lost the third place title to Fullerton College, 58-47, finishing fourth on the last day of tournament play.
The Tigers came out short-handed against the Hornets with only seven players.
Head coach Philip Mathews gave an explanation for the team’s lack of players and the change of the starting lineup after the game.
“They came to a game late yesterday so that is why they didn’t play this game,” he said. “You can’t come to a game late and expect to play.”
Fullerton started the game with the first score of the night and went on a 8-0 run, after just five minutes of play.
RCC’s Andy Cleaves ended the Hornets run with a three-point shot.
The Tigers seemed to be getting back in the game when Amore Smith II scored a layup, followed by a dunk from Cleaves; however, Fullerton never trailed in the game.
Cleaves led the Tigers with 13 points and took home all-tournament honors, along with a trophy to signify the accomplishment.
The Tigers previously defeated Pasadena City College, 74-56, Dec. 9 on the first day of the tournament to advance to the Tournament Championship, however after its loss to Chaffey, 72-57, they were left to play for third place.
RCC is scheduled to play on the road against Barstow on Dec. 16, before heading back home to face Mt. San Antonio College on Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.
