COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL : Saddleback Tries to Break Habit Against L.A. City

Getting to the final round of the Southern California playoffs hasn’t been too difficult for Saddleback College in recent years. The Gauchos’ problem has been advancing to the State tournament.

Saddleback, which has lost in the third round for three consecutive seasons, tries to break that streak at 7:30 tonight at Los Angeles City.

But the task won’t be easy for Saddleback (27-5), the sixth-seeded team in Southern California.

Los Angeles City (32-1), the third-seeded team, is averaging 99 points. Forward Derek Brown averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for the Cubs.

“Los Angeles City is the best team we’ve seen all season,” Saddleback Coach Bill Brummel said. “And that includes top-seeded Ventura. But I know we will play hard and our kids won’t be afraid.”

Saddleback is coming off an 99-80 victory over Antelope Valley, in which sophomore center Eric Ambrozich had 25 points and freshman forward Anthony Carter had 24.

The winner moves on to the State tournament starting Thursday at the Bren Center.