Men’s basketball: OCC falls in OT

Tony Altobelli

COSTA MESA - The Orange Coast College men’s basketball team refused

to die, but a lack of players down the stretch proved costly in

Wednesday’s 84-79 overtime loss to visiting Irvine Valley in Orange

Empire Conference action.

David Castleton, Chad Hagedorn and Dave Elliott, 40 of the Pirates’ 79

points, were turned to mere spectators by the midway point of overtime

due to fouling out.

“When you are only six deep to begin with, losing half of your offense is

pretty tough to overcome,” Coach Mark Hill said. “We hung tough, though.

We haven’t won many conference games, but our players haven’t quit and

that’s what I’m most proud of.”

After losing by 29 in their previous meeting and falling behind by as

many as 15 in this game, OCC (13-13, 2-9 in conference) could have easily

hung in the towel, but didn’t.

Trailing, 28-13, OCC went on a 10-0 run and managed to trail only by

seven at the half.

The lead was nine before Jeff Beeler score seven straight points with 13

minutes remaining to pull OCC to within one. Beeler led the Bucs with 19

points and 11 rebounds.

IVC (17-10, 6-5) regained control and led by 11 with seven minutes left.

With 2:40 remaining and OCC down by four, David Castleton, held in check

with only four points, finally found the hot hand.

The sophomore guard hit a three-pointer and was fouled, bringing the

Pirates to within two with 48 seconds left.

After two IVC free throws, Castleton drained another trey with 20 seconds

left, cutting the lead to one.

Two made IVC free throws later, Castleton sent the game into overtime

with a leaner three-pointer with 10 seconds left.

But with three of OCC’s shooters on the bench, the Lasers took control of

the game in overtime.