Citrus Extends Win Streak to 18 With 118–91 Victory Over Canyons

The No. 3-ranked Citrus College men's basketball team continued its dominant run with a 118–91 home victory over College of the Canyons on Saturday, February 7, extending its win streak to 18 games and improving to 23–1 overall and 10–0 in conference play.

The Owls were sharp from the start, shooting 53.7 percent (22-of-41) from the field and 38.9 percent (7-of-18) from three-point range in the first half en route to a 59-point opening frame. They were also steady at the free-throw line, converting 8 of 9 attempts (88.9 percent) while forcing 11 first-half turnovers. Citrus controlled the glass early, outrebounding Canyons 19–2—including nine offensive boards—and dished out 13 assists on 22 made field goals.

Leo Ricketts paced the offense in the half with 18 points, hitting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc while adding five rebounds and a block in 17 minutes. Amiri Meadows followed closely with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting to go with seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. JJ Sanchez contributed 11 points in just 11 minutes off the bench, while Rockwell Reynolds added eight points and five rebounds. Despite early foul trouble, Dev Hamilton chipped in four points.

The Owls maintained their rhythm in the second half, matching their first-half output with another 59 points on 54.3 percent shooting (19-of-35) and connecting on 47.1 percent (8-of-17) from long range. They stayed aggressive offensively, going 13-of-18 at the free-throw line (72.2 percent).

Reynolds powered the second-half offense with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep, while adding four rebounds and a block in only eight minutes. Alek Sanchez was a spark off the bench, scoring eight points and adding three rebounds and three steals. Nathan Kwon chipped in six points on two perfect three-point attempts, while Hamilton and Grayson Boustead each added six points apiece. JJ Sanchez rounded out the effort with four assists and a rebound, continuing to facilitate ball movement despite limited shots.

Citrus finished the game shooting 53.9 percent (41-of-76) overall, 42.9 percent from three (15-of-35), and 77.8 percent (21-of-27) from the line. The Owls held a 39–33 advantage on the boards, handed out 27 assists, and turned the ball over just 15 times compared to Canyons' 23. That margin translated into a 29–10 edge in points off turnovers and an 18–2 advantage in fast-break points. Citrus also outscored the Cougars 50–38 in the paint and added 15 second-chance points.

Behind strong performances from Ricketts and Reynolds, who each finished with 23 points, the Owls displayed a balanced and efficient attack. Meadows recorded a double-double with 15 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, while Sanchez added 15 points and six free throws made. Hamilton contributed nine points, and the Citrus bench chipped in 33 points overall.

After five ties and 12 lead changes early, Citrus took command late in the first half and never looked back, building its largest lead of 29 points with just over a minute remaining.

Up next, the Owls travel to Santa Monica College on Wednesday, February 11, for a conference rematch. The teams last met in January, when Citrus set a program record for points in regulation with a 147–85 victory. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. in Santa Monica.