No. 4 Citrus Men’s Basketball Opens Conference Play with Road Win

No. 4-ranked Citrus College Men's Basketball picked up its first conference win of the season on the road Wednesday night, cruising past Los Angeles Valley College, 98–68.

With the victory, the Owls improved to 14–1 overall and 1–0 in conference play, while LA Valley dropped to 5–4 overall and 0–1 in conference.

The opening half was tightly contested, featuring five lead changes and four ties as both teams traded baskets early. Citrus struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the first half, shooting 15-of-40 from the field and 4-of-15 from three-point range. However, the Owls' defensive pressure proved to be the difference, forcing 11 first-half LAVC turnovers and building a 45–34 lead at the break.

Citrus turned up the intensity in the second half, outscoring the Monarchs 53–34 while significantly improving in offensive efficiency. The Owls shot 19-of-41 from the field and knocked down 9-of-21 from beyond the arc, while forcing eight more turnovers. JJ Sanchez led the second-half surge with 15 points as Citrus pushed its lead to as many as 32 late in the game.

For the game, Citrus shot 34-of-81 from the field and 13-of-36 from three-point range. The Owls held the advantage in points off turnovers (33–6), points in the paint (38–26), second-chance points (18–6), and bench scoring (18–16). Citrus forced 20 total LA Valley turnovers while committing just six of its own.

Citrus placed five players in double figures, led by Leo Ricketts, who scored a game-high 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting while knocking down five three-pointers. JJ Sanchez added 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals in just 24 minutes, while Dev Hamilton was efficient inside, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting. Rockwell Reynolds contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, and Dylan Victorio chipped in 12 points and six boards.

The Owls' bench provided a spark as well, highlighted by Mikal Sims, who scored 10 points while addloing four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 17 minutes. Citrus showcased its depth and balance, with strong contributions across the lineup in the decisive road victory.

Citrus will host Antelope Valley College for thier first conference home game of the season this Saturday, January 10 at 1 p.m.