By John M. Sherrard

(Walnut) With a second tournament championship appearance this season, the Mt. SAC Men's Basketball team fell to Cerritos College, 79-67, Sunday afternoon at the Mountie Gym.

At the beginning of the season at the City College of San Francisco tournament, the Mounties fell to the top-ranked Rams and came away with a consolation championship last week in Bakersfield.

With a one-point lead at the half, the Mounties were outscored by 13 in the second half for the final 12-pont loss.

"We played better each game (in the tournament) and had a decent first half (of the championship)," Mt. SAC coach Clark Maloney said. 

"We have played a lot better than an 8-5 team and we feel we have a lot of growing to do." 

Top scorer for the Mounties (8-5) was guard Josh Johnson with 17 points. The freshman was 5 of 6 at the line and grabbed seven boards (3 off., 4 def.).

Also in double figures for Mt. SAC was sophomore guard Ryon O'Quinn (4-8 FG, 4-6 FT) with 12 points and sophomore G/F Isaiah Watson (2-4 3pt. FG) with 10 points.

Three players had seven points each – Andrew Hill (2-4 FG, 2-2 FT), Charlie Evans IV (2-2 FT, 3 RB) and Nick Brown (3 RB, 4 asst.).

Sophomore F/G Damarcus Carter pulled down 6 rebounds (2 off., 4 def.).

Mt. SAC now takes a week break before a three-game, non-conference home schedule prior to the end of the year. The next game is Tuesday, December 13 against Bakersfield. Game time is 5:00 pm. College of the Desert and Fullerton follow with games on Thur. Dec. 15 and Mon. Dec. 19.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.