Just two days after a loss to second – ranked Ventura College, the Glendale College men’s basketball team held El Camino College to 17 second-half points in its 72-62 win on December 7.

El Camino College (8-5) came into Friday’s game and shot well in the first half and ended with a 45-42 advantage at halftime over the Vaquero’s.

“He [coach Brian Beauchemin] told us to come out, play hard, play some defense,” said freshman James Parks just before the beginning of the second half.

A steal by Vaquero Matt Rasmussen 40 seconds into the second half led to a Fabian Leon dunk, which shot a burst of energy into both the Glendale players and the fans in attendance.

The 55-48 lead held by El Camino with 13:10 left in the game was the biggest lead held by the visiting Warriors in the second half.

The Vaqueros rallied in the next two minutes, cutting the lead to one with 11 minutes remaining in the game.

The Vaqueros’ first lead of the second half came with a Matt Rasmussen tip-in off of a missed field goal attempt by Marc Walters with nine minutes of play in the game.

A timely three-pointer by Nick Halic with 7:10 left in the game was the dagger in the heart of the El Camino basketball team.

“We stepped up in the second half,” said Leon.

Leon’s contribution to the Vaquero basketball team on Friday night was huge. He ended the game with 19 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks.

Defense was the key to Glendale’s victory in the second half as it held El Camino College to only 17 points.

Freshman Matt Rasmussen, who has been a key contributor to the Glendale basketball team this season, added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals in Friday’s victory.

Sophomore Kevin Krose added 14 points on 4-7 shooting from the field, and a team-high seven assists.
With the win, Glendale is now 6-5 for the season. The Vaqueros are playing in the Vaquero Classic tournament here today.