Dons Hold Off Second Half Rally to Defeat Riverside City College 74-69

Cameron Hill gets a dunk in the Dons victory over Riverside City College. Photo courtesy of Tony McAndrew.
Cameron Hill gets a dunk in the Dons victory over Riverside City College. Photo courtesy of Tony McAndrew.

SANTA ANA - The Dons withstood a second half rally by visiting Riverside City College to remain undefeated in Orange Empire Conference play. After taking a 41-25 lead into the half, the Dons were outscored 44-33 but were able to hold on for the 74-69 victory.

In the first half, the Dons (8-8, 2-0) shot 48% from the field while getting balanced scoring. Damien Benson and Cammie Lewis each scored eight points in the half to lead the eight players that scored in the half. Riverside (6-13, 0-2), on the other hand, were held to 37% shooting by the Dons defense.

The second half was another story as the Tigers shot 50% from the field while pulling within three points late in the game at 71-68 with 1:21 remaining. However, the Dons hit two of their final three free throws while holding Riverside to one point in the final minute to secure the victory.

Lewis led the way for the Dons with 17 points while Chad Young added 12 points, just ahead of Erik Emanuel with 11 points and Benson with 10 points. Emanuel led the Dons with eight rebounds while Cameron Hill recorded four blocks.

The Dons have a bye on Wednesday before hosting Irvine Valley College next Friday, January 17 at 5:30 p.m.