Back and Forth Affair Leans Riverside’s Way for Seventh-Straight Win

It was anybody's game in Wheelock Gymnasium tonight as with six ties and 19 lead changes as the Riverside City College men's basketball team played host to the Saddleback College Gauchos. Both teams shot exceptionally well from the floor with high intensity on both ends of the court, but it was the Tigers who earned an 83-78 win at game's end.

Riverside found themselves trailing by one point with just over three minutes remaining in the game. Sophomore Amir Davis, who once again flirted with a triple-double, hit a floating jumper to put the Tigers back up, 69-68.

From then on, Riverside strung together a 10-4 run with a half a minute remaining, distancing themselves from the bobcats once and for all.

Davis tipped in another key bucket at the rim on the ensuing possession, followed by a dagger three pointer that snapped the bottom of the net from sophomore guard Melvin Walker.  Sophomore guard Edwyn Collins, who assisted on the previous play, followed by hitting a jumper. Sophomore guard Jalen Monroe capped the run with two free throws leading to the victory.

The Bobcats shot better from the floor, but Riverside's 47.5 shooting percentage was enough to get the job done. Additionally, they made it to the line 22 times and hit 15 free throws as opposed to Saddleback's seven shots at the charity stripe.

The Tigers dominated the boards with a 41-27 comparison leading to 36 points in the paint. Furthermore, a fast-pace Tiger offense lead to 17 fast break points and 15 second-chance points.

Davis had another strong game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Collins matched his 20 points and added seven rebounds.

Walker flushed 13 points including three triples, while Monroe came off the bench for 14 points.

Riverside (17-6, 10-2 OEC) will begin a three game road stint starting with No. 5 Santiago Canyon on Friday, February 11 at 6 p.m.