Saddleback Holds Off OCC Down the Stretch

Saddleback used a key three-pointer and 11 consecutive free throws in the closing minutes to pull away from host Orange Coast, 82-72, in an Orange Empire Conference men’s basketball game Friday.

Rashaw McAfee made a three-pointer off a pass from Mark Brown to put Saddleback up, 74-71, with 1 minute 11 seconds left. The Gauchos (21-2, 6-0 in conference) then stayed ahead thanks to free throws.

Saddleback, which is ranked third in the state, has won 16 in a row and holds a one-game lead over second-place OCC (14-8, 5-1) with one game left in the first of two rounds of conference play.

McAfee, who made eight of 10 free throws, also contributed on defense. He helped limit OCC’s Nick Burwell, who is averaging 24 points, to nine.

It was a frustrating game from the start for Burwell who had two early fouls and sat out much of the first half. Burwell fouled out with 2:41 left in the game.

“It feels good,” said McAfee who scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half. “As long as we keep our heads in the game and work hard in practice, we should be OK.”

Mike Donegan, who made four free throws in the final minute, scored 15 and reserve Kevin Williams had 12 for Saddleback.

Forward Chad Hagedorn made eight of 12 from the field and seven of eight free throws to lead OCC with 23 points. Ryan Earl added 13 for Orange Coast, which trailed by as many as 14 and led by as many as seven.