COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROUNDUP : Two Reserves Lead Saddleback to Victory Over Orange Coast

Saddleback started its Orange Empire Conference game at Orange Coast on Friday with a big hole in the middle. The Gauchos were without Eric Ambrozich, the starting center who is averaging 10 points and seven rebounds.

But by the time the game was over, Saddleback had two reserves with soaring confidence and a 70-52 victory.

The Gauchos (15-6, 5-1 in conference) remain tied with Riverside for first place.

Justin Hinsey and Jeff Rick took over in the post for Ambrozich and each made key contributions. Saddleback led, 30-29, at the half but outscored OCC, 23-9, in the first eight minutes and were never challenged the rest of the way.

Hinsey, making his first collegiate start, had 10 points and added seven rebounds. Rick had four points and four rebounds.

“He gave us a lift,” Saddleback Coach Bill Brummel said about Hinsey. “He took advantage of the situation. But Jeff Rick also gave us a lift . . . Sometimes out of a negative something positive happens. This will make us a better team in the future.”

Rick had a key rebound basket to put Saddleback ahead, 40-36, with 15 minutes 12 seconds left. He was fouled on the shot but missed the free throw. But Hinsey got that rebound and went up for a lay-in and Saddleback led, 42-36.

Tes Whitlock continued to be impressive for Saddleback. He had a game-high 25 points, including 16 in the second half. He had a basket then added a three-pointer to give Saddleback a 47-36 lead with 14:02 left.

Orange Coast (11-10, 1-5) missed its first 11 shots, but then made 10 of the next 17 in the first half.

But Saddleback increased the defensive pressure in the second half and OCC made six of 27 field-goal attempts.

“We’ve played some good defense in the last three games,” Brummel said. “It’s been our salvation.”