Men's Basketball Splits Weekend Events at Hinson's Tire Pros Winter Classic

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College men's basketball team split during a two-day showing at the annual Hinson's Tire Pros Winter Classic, hosted by Cuesta College, over the weekend. The Bulldogs dropped a heartbreaker to College of the Sequoias on Friday, falling 70–69 on a last-second shot, before regrouping Saturday with an assertive performance against Mendocino.

GAME ONE: SEQUOIAS 70, ALLAN HANCOCK 69 | BOX SCORE

In a game that came down to the final possession, Hancock led much of the second half before Sequoias hit a contested jumper at the buzzer to escape with a one-point win.

Sophomore Trenten Lavender poured in a team-high 21 points, connecting on 7-of-14 from the floor and 3-of-4 from deep. Arlind Konjuhi added 12 points and four rebounds, while TJ Hollinger recorded 12 points and six boards off the bench. The Bulldogs shot an efficient 46.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range, while limiting turnovers to just 12.

Hancock entered halftime ahead 33–29 after a balanced first half that saw five different members of Coach Aye's squad score. The teams traded baskets in a back-and-forth final minute, with Hancock briefly taking the lead before Sequoias' game-winner as time expired.

GAME TWO: ALLAN HANCOCK 72, MENDOCINO 48 | BOX SCORE

The Bulldogs bounced back on Saturday, showing composure and energy in their second matchup of the weekend. Hancock leaned on its depth, with multiple players contributing on both ends to control the tempo to rebound from Friday's outcome. 

Noah Morris anchored the frontcourt with 12 points and a team-high of seven rebounds, while Lavender chipped in 10 and Konjuhi dished out a team-best mark of six assists. Mehki Grant added a spark off the bench with 12 points.

Hancock's offense again clicked with strong shooting efficiency and balanced scoring en route to a 45.2 percent showing from the floor, but they lost the rebounding battle at a 43-36 clip.

The Bulldogs are set to return to action on Friday, November 14th, with a road trip to Citrus College for a non-conference showdown. 

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