PANTHERS START OFF STRONG V FULLERTON

The men played their second home game of the week tonight, hosting the defending state champion Fullerton Hornets.  Chaffey took an early lead, up by seven points, and held on deep into the frist period.  The Hornets tied it up 23-23 with four minutes remaining in the period and did not let up.  At the half, Fullerton had broadened the gap to seven, 32-25.

Coming back from the break, Aaron Johnson hit a 3-pointer and it looked like a Panthers comeback was on the way but foul trouble and missed freethrows ultimately gave the Hornets the win 58-47.  This was the lowest scoring game for either team this season.

"We played against a really tough Fullerton Hornets team," commented Head Coach Jeff Klein.  "They played like a state champion and held us to a season low 47 points.  It was a college Division I environment tonight and we're really proud of our guys."

The Panthers were led by sophomore center Manu Oulai with 18 points and 13 rebounds, his 9th double-double this season.  Oulai currently leads the state in rebounds, averaging 12.4/game.  Darren Williams contributed 12 points, going 4:4 from the freethrow line.

The men open the conference season Wednesday at home vs newcomer Palo Verde College at 5pm.