Huntington Beach, Calif. - It was a back and forth battle with seven lead changes and six ties during the forty-minute thriller between Golden West College and Rio Hondo College Wednesday night.
The Rustlers built a 7-2 lead after tipoff as both teams struggled to find a rhythm offensively in the first half. Power forward Eric Watson who recorded his second double-double of the season paced Golden West in the first half on 3 of 4 shooting from the field and a free throw for seven points at halftime.
The second half belonged to freshman guard John Stillgess as he poured in 20 second half points and found his range from three-point land. Stillgess shot and impressive 3 for 6 from behind the arc and 7 of 12 inside the three-point line. Watson stayed balanced as he tallied eight points in the second half of three of five shooting.
The Rustlers had an open shot to send the game to overtime with a made three but Watsons attempt from the corner missed as the buzzer sounded.
Golden West will be on the road next at Cuyamaca on November 20th for a 5pm tipoff.
