MEN'S BASKETBALL: Owls Extinguish Comets in Playoffs First Round

It came down to the final seconds of action, but Citrus College came away with the 81-80 victory over Palomar College Wednesday night to advance in the CCCAA Men's Basketball Southern California Regionals.

The 12^th-seeded Fighting Owls improve to 20-9 overall, while the 21^st-seeded Comets end their season at 20-9.

Toby Okwuokei led the Owls with 23 points and was one board shy of a double-double, grabbing nine rebounds to help Citrus win the glas 41-to-35. He also dished out six assists on the night. Kendal Frey followed with 14 points, while James Williams chipped in 12 points (4-for-5). 

Citrus led for most of the game, holding a 44-34 upper hand at halftime, but Palomar battled back and took a one-point lead with just a minute remaining. The Comets extended it to 79-76 with 34 seconds on the clock on two free throws. 

Okwuokei drew a foul and finished both of his chances at the charity stripe to put the Owls within one, 79-78. The Comets had two more chances at the line, but only made one to keep the game within reach, 80-78.

With 18 seconds on the clock, Okwuokei was fouled once again and hit two free throws to tie the game.

The Owls got a stop on defense as Leonard Turner came up big with a block with three seconds remaining and Okwuokei snatched up the loose ball. He drew another foul as he made his way across half court with .5 seconds left in the game. All he needed was one free throw to win the game and he got it on the first try, securing the 81-80 victory.