The Santa Rosa Junior College men’s basketball team strengthened its position in the conference title race Feb. 10, defeating first place Sierra College 81-76 at Haehl Pavilion.
Now the No. 1 team in the Big 8 conference, the Bear Cubs relied on efficient shooting and late-game composure to secure a win with significant league implications.
Santa Rosa shot 27-for-55 from the field (49.1%) compared to Sierra’s 28-for-62 (45.2%) and created separation from beyond the arc, finishing 7-of-18 (38.9%) from three while limiting Sierra to 6-of-23 (26.1%).
Guard Spencer Langowski led all the Bear Cubs with 21 points, knocking down four 3-pointers and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. Forward Travis Hightower added 17 points and six rebounds, while forward Vincent Jackson contributed 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Guard Amari Gray chipped in 10 points and six rebounds as Santa Rosa placed four players in double figures.
Santa Rosa entered the game with added motivation after falling to Sierra in their previous match.
“They beat us last time, so we came in with the mindset that we had to get off to a good start,” Gray said. “Last game we didn’t, and that hurt us. That was our mentality tonight.”
The Bear Cubs maintained control for much of the game, but Sierra remained within striking distance up to the final minute.
“If I’m being honest, it was kind of shaky,” Gray said. “But once we got that 4-point lead with about 40 seconds left, I felt like we had it.”
At the free-throw line, Sierra shot a higher percentage (82.4%), but Santa Rosa attempted nine more free throws and converted six more overall, going 20-of-26 in a five-point game. The teams finished even on the glass with 29 rebounds apiece, and turnovers were nearly identical.
Forward Jaden Washington said defensive communication was a key adjustment from the first matchup.
“It was crucial,” Washington said. “They execute their offense really well, so the only way we had a chance guarding it was if we were talking and communicating through all the screens.”
Washington said the team’s defensive focus reflects its growth late in the season.
“The first time we played them, we struggled and gave up a lot of open shots early,” he said. “Our growth has really come defensively and with our focus. We’re just playing a lot better now.”
The win carries added weight, with only two conference games remaining. Santa Rosa will host Modesto at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Haehl Pavilion in one of the final two conference games of the regular season. The Bear Cubs will then close out conference play later that week.
Modesto previously defeated Santa Rosa by 14 points on its home court, setting up a high-stakes rematch with league title implications.
“Modesto beat us by 14 points at their place, so this will be a big challenge,” head coach Craig McMillan said. “We seem to be peaking at the right time. Every game has league and playoff ramifications, so we need to continue playing well.”
