Balanced Scoring Helps Dons Beat Grossmont, 88-79

Balanced Scoring Helps Dons Beat Grossmont, 88-79

SANTA ANA, Calif. - The Santa Ana Men's Basketball team used a balanced scoring attack to beat the Grossmont Griffins (2-4) 88-79 in a fast paced game on Tuesday night. 

SAC (2-5) saw four starters score in double digits while also getting good production from their bench. 

Kody Uyesugi hit five threes on his way to 17 points in 30 minutes of action. The freshman guard from Beckman also had three assists and two rebounds for the Dons. 

Fellow freshman Zeyu Shan recorded 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting while adding five rebounds and four blocks. 

Russell Malone filled the stats sheet with 16 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals. And Kelvonte Ellis contributed with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists in the win. 

The Dons started off hot in the first half as they made a run to go up 14-5 after Court Franklin cut down the middle of the lane for an easy layup at the 16:20 mark. 

But the Griffins were able to weather the storm and came back to take a 22-21 lead on a three with 11:52 remaining in the half. 

After a timeout, Santa Ana settled down again and began to play their brand of basketball. The Dons ended the half with a 23-14 run to take a 44-39 lead at the break. 

The Dons continued to play their game in the second half and attacked the paint off press breaks to push the lead all the way to 15 (80-65) following a Shen layup at the 5:53 mark. 

Grossmont stayed within distance with some timely threes but could never get close enough to threaten the lead. 

SAC had one of their best offensive nights thus far, shooting 57.8 percent overall and 42.9 percent from the three point line. 

In addition, the Dons got a nice burst of energy from their bench with Miles Sulka finishing with seven points, five rebounds and four assists while Court Franklin scored six and grabbed three boards.

Santa Ana has now won two straight and will look to extend the streak as they host Cuyamaca next Wednesday, December 7th at 5:00 p.m.