Men’s basketball: Pirates stung by Hornets

COSTA MESA - David Castleton scored 22 points for the Orange Coast

College men’s basketball team in Friday’s 83-78 Orange Empire Conference

loss to visiting Fullerton.

Chad Hagedorn added 16 points, while Duc Nguyen had 15 for the Pirates

(13-12, 2-8 in conference).

The Pirates started off cold, hitting only 8 of 29 from the field in the

first half. Fullerton didn’t do much better, hitting 12 of 33.

With the game close, the Hornets (15-12, 5-5) hit their free throws down

the stretch to pull the game out.

One factor in the Hornets’ win was a 45-34 rebounding edge by Fullerton,

including 16-8 on the offensive glass.

Chris Smith led the Hornets with 18 points and seven rebounds.

The Pirates will host Irvine Valley Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in another OEC

clash.

ORANGE EMPIRE CONFERENCE

Fullerton 83, Orange Coast 78

Fullerton - C. Smith 18, Wise 13, Jones 12, Sherman 10, B. Smith 10, Grace 8, Mann 7, Sutton 5.

3 pt. goals - Wise 3, C. Smith 3, Jones 1, Sutton 1.

Fouled out - None.

Orange Coast - Castleton 22, Hagedorn 16, Nguyen 15, Beeler 14, Elliott

8, Earl 3.

3 pt. goals - Castleton 3, Nguyen 2, Beeler 2, Earl 1, Hagedorn 1.

Fouled out - Earl.

Halftime - Fullerton, 33-27.