The Citrus College Owls men’s basketball team walked away victorious against the Cuesta College Cougars, 95-58, March 2 at the Owl’s Nest behind point guard Josh Caston’s 23-point night.
The Owls advanced to the regional final following the contest, extending their winning streak to 12 games.
After an impressive display of athleticism from both teams during the second round playoff matchup, the Owls flew away with another win.
The Owls began the game with a lead and never looked back, including a 56-20 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Citrus continued its dominance against the Cougars with rigid defensive pressure in addition to proficient ball movement.
The Cougars had no answer to the Owls’ offensive prowess as the game transitioned to a 30-point lead that sustained throughout the second half.
In doing so, the Owls now need to win the next round of the playoffs to take the title.
Head coach Brett Lauer was pleased with the outcome.
“We talked about staying aggressive, we were going to stay aggressive and try to score touchdowns,” Lauer said.
Caston had a great game offensively, scoring 20 points before the first half was finished.
Caston was out in front and got several clean looks at the basket in transition.
He electrified the crowd and provided the Owls with the offensive energy that they needed.
The team has taken time to study their opponents during practice and off-time and it has paid off for them so far in the postseason.
“On film we saw that they had a hard time getting back in transition,” Caston said. “So really it’s just putting pressure on the defense, sometimes we push but we’re not really looking to score unless something’s there.”
Owls point guard Treyvon Watts-Hale provided immense defensive pressure the entire game.
Time after time Watts-Hale lead the fastbreak, as well as providing intense pressure up close and personal on defense.
Watts-Hale took pride his in efforts on the defensive end.
“Well with defense I don’t like people scoring on me, I take it personal, so that’s why I play so hard on defense,” Watts-Hale said.
Citrus will compete in the regional final on March 9 at the Owl’s Nest and will play against Long Beach.
