The Santa Rosa Junior College men’s basketball team showed out on both ends in an 89-69 win in the second round of regional playoffs against Yuba College at home on Saturday.
SRJC entered the game ranked No. 13 in CCCAA after a bye in the first round.
Head coach Craig McMillan is confident his team will perform well this postseason.
“I think we can compete with most people,” McMillan said. “If we have an off game at this time of the year the season’s going to be done, so we better be ready to go.”
The Bear Cubs took an early lead on a three-pointer from sophomore guard Andrew Pengel, followed by two more three’s from freshman guard Spencer Langowski and freshman forward Audron Forgus.
Yuba struggled to score and quickly fell behind. The Bear Cubs maintained strong ball dominance throughout the first half and continued to drive to the hoop. Twelve minutes into the half, Langowski fired up the crowd by drawing contact and securing an and-one.
Freshman guard Gavin Cook-Whisenton pushed through two Yuba defenders for a powerful layup followed by another from freshman forward Vincent Jackson, putting SRJC ahead 30-19 with five-minutes left in the half.
As the first half came to a close, Yuba struggled to catch up to the Bear Cubs. Pengel closed out the first half with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from downtown, putting the Bear Cubs up 48-29.
Two minutes into the second half freshman Jaden Washington hit a three-pointer and Jackson immediately followed with a layup.
Before Yuba could build any momentum, the Bear Cubs sank several more shots from beyond the arc.
As the Bear Cubs looked to close out the win, Pengel and Langowski both went down with leg cramps and had to sub out. Both are expected to return for the next round.
Washington responded and rushed through Yuba’s defense for a fierce dunk, sending the bench into a frenzy.
SRJC sealed a 20-point win with a final score of 89-69.
With playoffs in full-swing, the Bear Cubs will look to stay locked in for each must-win game.
“I’m just trying to keep good habits, sleep well, practice hard, and execute the game plan,” Forgus said.
The Bear Cubs continue their championship run with a rematch against Cosumnes River College at home at 7 p.m. on March 8.
