Gauchos win second tourney of the season
The Gauchos defeated Southwestern College in the tournament finals, 61-45. Saddleback has a 9-1 record this season. (Photo courtesy of Saddleback Sports Information)
Saddleback men’s basketball team completed another tournament sweep this past weekend in the Palomar College Tournament. The Gauchos finished their weekend with a 61-45 win against Southwestern College in the tournament finals.
Saddleback now has an overall record of 9-1 with their only loss being to San Bernardino Valley College. This is the second tournament the Gauchos have won this season which has contributed to their good start.
Saddleback opened the tournament with a 68-50 victory over Los Angeles Harbor College. Head Coach, Andy Ground, shared his thoughts on why he thought the Gauchos played so well this tournament.
“We have got a lot of contributions from many different players,” said Ground. “Guys from our bench could play at most JC’s.”
Ground is referring to the six players that scored in double figures during Saddleback’s semi-final game against Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. The Gauchos defeated LA Trade-Tech, 95-63 which was their largest margin of victory since defeating Orange Coast College 97-57 last season. Freshman, guard, Dusty Baker, finished with 15 points, which led the team.
In the tournament championship game, Saddleback defeated Southwestern College, 61-45. The Gauchos lock down defense was one of the many reasons they were able to win the game.
“Always have,” when Ground was asked about whether he focused on defense going into games.
The Gauchos will now prepare for one of their toughest tournaments of the year. The upcoming tournament features eight teams that are ranked in the top 15 in Southern California. The tournament is hosted by Riverside Community College.
“We will try to go in there with the same game plan,” said Ground. “Hopefully we can continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball.”
Saddleback will play Contra Costa College whose team is traveling all the way down from Northern California. The game will be this Wednesday at 1 p.m.
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