Dons Defeat Rio Hondo 93-85 to Earn First Win of the Season

Dons Defeat Rio Hondo 93-85 to Earn First Win of the Season

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Santa Ana Men's Basketball picked up their first win of the season, defeating Rio Hondo (3-4) 93-85 in another non-conference game on Friday night.

The Dons (1-5) imposed their will on offense as they outscored the Roadrunners 44-12 in the paint while shooting a season high 52.2 (35-67) percent from the field. 

Freshman center Tyler Woods was a focal point for SAC as he dominated down low with several moves to score while also creating offense by passing out of double-teams. The big from Orangewood Academy finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. 

In addition, Santa Ana benefited from the hustle of freshman forward Kelvonte Ellis, who posted a game high 11 rebounds with six of those coming on the offensive end. Ellis went 5-of-7 from the field for 13 points with four assists. 

While the Dons found much of their success in the paint, they also did damage from the outside as their guards came to play.

Sophomore guard Russell Malone gave the Dons the scoring they needed, recording a team high 18 points to go with seven assists and four rebounds. Freshman guard Kody Uyesugi came off the bench and provided a spark with a double-digit scoring performance at 13 points and also added four assists. Joining them in double digits was sophomore forward Thomas Billinger, who added 11 points on 2-of-5 shooting from three point range. 

The Dons will enter Thanksgiving break after a much needed win and will return to the court on Tuesday, November 29th at 5:00 p.m. against Grossmont College.