Kitagawa Leads Rain of 3s, But Men's Hoops Loses To Mt. SAC

The Pasadena City College men's basketball team played it close with visiting Mt. San Antonio, but despite a flurry of 3-point baskets the Lancers were sent to yet another South Coast Conference North Division defeat, 80-72, Wednesday night at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium.

PCC dropped in 10 shots (23 attempts, 43.5 percent) from beyond the 3-point circle, the most since its high of 13 in the season opener v. Palomar. Reserve guard Todd Kitagawa swished four high-arc bombs late in the first half that gave the Lancers a surprising 38-29 halftime lead.

Mt. SAC (15-9, 5-2 in conference) rallied to go ahead until PCC came back again with a pair of 3s by Will Johnson that had the Lancers up 55-53 with 7:24 remaining. It was the Mounties turn to go long distance as Nick Brown and Charles Evans IV hit back-to-back 3-pointers to swing the momentum with a 13-2 run. 

The Lancers (6-18, 1-6) got it as close as 72-68 on two long-range treys from Todd Barnes. Mt. SAC made 11 free throws over the last two minutes to keep its distance and seal the win.

PCC was directed by assistant coach Keith Hollimon after head coach Michael Swanegan missed the contest due to illness. Forward McKay Anderson led the Lancers with 17 points and seven rebounds while Kitagawa added 16 points (five 3s). Barnes contributed 11 points. Center Augustine Tadale had a strong first-half and finished with eight points, six rebounds and three blocks. Off the bench, Dejon Williams picked up eight points, seven boards, four assists and two blocks. 

For Mt. SAC, Brown hit five 3s as part of his 17 points and Ryan O'Quinn added 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. 

Besides its long-range shooting, PCC did well at the free throw line. The Lancers made their first 15 in a row at the stripe and finished at 20-for-23 (87 percent). 

PCC travels to face Chaffey College on Friday, Feb. 10 in a 5 p.m. conference tip-off.