Vaqueros Take 3rd Place in SBCC/El Camino Holiday Classic

TORRANCE, Calif. - SBCC Men's Basketball (9-4) continued its winning ways over the weekend, finishing third place at the SBCC/El Camino Holiday Classic, hosted by El Camino College. With construction ongoing on SBCC's new gym, El Camino served as the host site for the annual SBCC Classic—one of California's longest-running community college basketball tournaments.

The Vaqueros went 2–1 on the weekend, defeating Coalinga College (75–60), falling to state-ranked No. 9 Cerritos College (67–60), and closing the tournament with a 64–60 win over Barstow College in the third-place game.

Game 1: SBCC 75, Coalinga College 60

SBCC got off to a slow start against Coalinga, which mixed multiple zone defenses with a full-court zone press.

"Coalinga does a good job of mixing up their defenses, never really showing the same thing multiple possessions in a row," said head coach Devin Engebretsen. "There were several possessions where they would switch from zone to man in the middle of a possession. It took us a while to figure it out, and then we hit some shots in the second half to stretch the lead."

The Vaqueros led 31–26 at halftime, but that advantage quickly disappeared as Coalinga tied the game at 36–36 with 17 minutes remaining. One minute later, the Falcons took a 41–38 lead on a three-pointer by Daniel Rodriguez, who finished with 18 points on four made threes.

SBCC responded with a decisive 12–2 run, capped by a three-pointer from freshman Mason Thomas (3-for-6 from three, nine points). The Vaqueros' lead grew to as many as 18 points late in the game, securing the 15-point victory.

All-Tournament selection James Reach finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists, crediting the Falcons' defensive schemes.

"We did a good job not falling into the slow play style of different zone and press schemes," Reach said. "We executed our offense in the second half, helping to open up the lead."

Freshman Jack Berry added 15 points and six rebounds. The win moved SBCC's record to 8–3.

Game 2: No. 9 Cerritos College 67, SBCC 60

In the marquee matchup of the Classic, the Vaqueros faced state-ranked No. 9 Cerritos College in a physical battle between two of the state's top defensive teams. Cerritos entered ranked ninth in points allowed per game (64.5), with SBCC close behind at 13th (66.5).

"We kind of knew going into this game it was going to be a tough, physical grind for both teams," said Engebretsen.

SBCC jumped out to an early 9–5 lead on a jumper by freshman Dominic Bonafede before Cerritos responded to take a 13–11 advantage. The Vaqueros reclaimed the lead at 17–15 with 10 minutes remaining, and the teams traded baskets for the rest of the half, entering halftime tied 27–27.

"I thought both teams played a great first half—very few turnovers (six for Cerritos, three for SBCC)—and just hard-nosed, physical basketball," Engebretsen added.

The second half mirrored the first, with neither team able to pull away. After a three-pointer by Reach, SBCC led 58–57 with 3:20 remaining, but Cerritos answered with a three on the ensuing possession and held the lead the rest of the way. The Falcons iced the game at the free-throw line, going 5-for-6 in the final minute.

"We had a really good approach to this game," said Bonafede. "We physically battled with a bigger team, and even though we lost, we will learn from this game."

Sophomore Ramon Cota turned in his most complete performance of the season with 15 points (7-for-10 FG), two assists, and zero turnovers. Berry added 12 points, while Brycen Matthews and Reach each chipped in 10.

The loss moved the Vaqueros to 8–4 and set up a third-place matchup with Barstow College.

Game 3: SBCC 64, Barstow College 60 (Third-Place Game)

In the Classic's third-place game, SBCC faced Barstow College, a team with just three wins entering the contest but an elite schedule. "Don't let their record fool you," said Engebretsen. "They have played four of the top 20 teams in the state. They can really score, and they are very physical defensively."

Concerned about a potential letdown following the Cerritos loss, the Vaqueros emphasized energy and focus—and it showed immediately. SBCC jumped out to a 10–0 start and held a 20–9 lead midway through the first half.

"We knew this game would not be easy," said Reach.  "They are tough and guarded us tightly, but thanks to Dom [Bonafede], we were able to win it late." 

Barstow responded, rallying to take a 35–34 lead with under a minute remaining before halftime. A layup by Berry in the closing seconds sent SBCC into the break with a 36–35 advantage.

The Vaqueros opened the second half with another surge, using a 9–0 run—highlighted by a Bonafede three-pointer—to build a 45–35 lead. Once again, Barstow answered, tying the game at 53–53 with eight minutes to play.

With the score knotted at 58–58, Reach backed down his defender, drew a double-team, and kicked the ball out to Bonafede, who drilled a clutch wing three to give SBCC the lead.

Barstow trimmed the margin to 61–60 at the free-throw line, and after a jump-ball turnover, the Vaqueros were forced to rely on their defense again.

Barstow ran its patented "twist" action, but SBCC shut down the primary option, forcing a contested three from a low-percentage shooter. Reach secured the rebound, was fouled, and knocked down both free throws. A final free throw following a steal by Berry sealed the 64–60 victory.

"A gritty performance by all our guys," said Engebretsen. "This team has tremendous heart and toughness. I am very proud of them."

Bonafede led the Vaq attack with 16 points and seven rebounds, while going 4-8 from the three-point line. The All-tournament selection Reach added 15 points, four rebounds and four assists while going 7-8 from the free-throw line. Berry also added 15 and seven. 

The win marked the third straight year the Vaqueros have claimed the third-place trophy at the Classic and improved their overall record to 9–4. SBCC returns to action on December 20 at Glendale College in a battle of the Vaqueros, with tipoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m.