Late Free Throws Sink Dons in 71-69 Loss to Coast

Late Free Throws Sink Dons in 71-69 Loss to Coast

The Santa Ana College (SAC) men's basketball team lost to visiting Orange Coast College on a pair of last second free throws. The loss drops the Dons to 8-14 overall and 2-7 in Orange Empire Conference competition while the the Pirates improve to 8-16 and 3-5.

The game came down to the final free throws after the Dons came back from a five point deficit in the final 41 seconds. After a pair of Kevin Ramirez free throws cut the Pirates lead to three, Orange Coast committed a turnover, giving the Dons the ball back with 30 seconds remaining.

The Dons came down the court following the turnover with Ramirez missing a jumper before getting his own rebound. Ramirez then made a lay-up while getting foul. He converted the free throw to tie the game at 69-69.

However, on the Pirates final possession, Jo Jo Trinidad was fouled on a jumer from the top of the key, giving him two free throws with less than two seconds remaining. Trinidad made both free throws to secure the win for Orange Coast.

Kashif Williams led all scorers with 20 points in the loss, followed by teammate Kacy Barlow with 18 points. Jason Payne and Trinidad each scored 17 points to lead the Pirates.