Orange County Community College Basketball : Cole Scores 19 Points as Rancho Santiago Advances

Howard Cole scored 19 points to lead Rancho Santiago College to a 105-69 victory over Tacoma in the Cypress College Thoroughbred Tournament at Cypress Thursday night.

The Dons will play Santa Monica at 8:30 tonight in a semifinal game.

Simon Thomas added 18 as the Dons (8-3) had eight players in double figures.

Cypress plays George AFB in the other semifinal game at 6:30 p.m.

In other Cypress Tournament games:

Santa Monica 77, Fullerton 61--The Hornets took a 30-25 lead at halftime but watched it vanish as they shot just 32% (11-32) in the second half and lost.

Troy Joseph scored 17 for Fullerton, which plays Tacoma at 4:30 p.m. in the consolation bracket.

In the Riverside Tournament:

Saddleback 67, Cerro Coso 53--Mike Minier scored 18 points and Vincent Smalls 17 as the Gauchos won for the sixth consecutive time. It is the longestest winner streak for Saddleback in the last five seasons.

With the victory, the Gauchos (9-3) advance to one semifinal at 5 p.m. today against Grossmont, which defeated Antelope Valley, 101-86.

Sophomore center Scott Dwinell scored only 2 points but led both teams with 11 rebounds.

Orange Coast 70, Santa Barbara 63--Chuck McGavran led all scorers with 18 points including four 3-pointers.

In the Cuesta women’s tournament:

Golden West 77, Cuesta 50--April Marion scored 27 points and Karen Chase 16 for the Rustlers (11-0). Golden West plays Kings River in one semifinal at 6 p.m. today.