Gavilan ends four-game losing streak with 65-64 win over MPC
Gilroy – Gavilan’s Jessie LoBue came up with big shots all night, but none was bigger than when the Rams needed it most in a 65-64 win Wednesday over Monterey Peninsula College in a Coast Conference game at Bud Ottmar Memorial Gym.
The Rams were down two points with 21.5 seconds left, and the Lobos were pressing, making it tough to get a shot off. As time was about to expire, Django Evans drove to the basket, but his shot rimmed off.
LoBue pulled down the rebound and tipped it in to tie the game. He was fouled on the play. With the clock showing zero and the defenders cleared out, he stepped to the line and confidently drained the free throw.
“I was just hoping it would go in,” LoBue said. “I knew I could get position if the ball came off. After we’ve been losing so much, it was great to win one for the team, coach and the fans.”
Gavilan (5-13 overall, 2-4 CC) was coming off four straight losses after defeating City College of San Francisco in the conference opener.
The Rams were down 35-31 at the half, but stepped up in the second. With 13 minutes to go, Gavilan held a six-point advantage at 48-42. But the Lobos (11-10 overall) chipped away and took a 61-60 lead with 3:15 remaining.
MPC went ahead 63-60 with 2:44 left. Kenny Hills, who was 8-for-8 from the line, all in the second half, hit a pair of free throws. After the Lobos scored again, the Rams made it a two-point game by hitting one of two free throws.
“It was good to see the guys come out and play with some fire and show pride,” said Gavilan coach Tito Addison. “We’ve had our share of adversity recently. We had a great performance from our bench. I knew if we could keep it to two possessions, we had a chance.”
LoBue led the Rams with 23 points. Evans and Hills had 10, and Luke Murrell had three treys for nine points.
Gavilan will be at Cabrillo on Saturday before returning home Jan. 19 to face West Valley College.
