After weeks of inconsistent play leading up to Feb. 9, the Vaqueros seem to be peaking at the right time.
Forward Marc Walters scored 21 of his 25 points in the second half and had 10 rebounds, and four assists as Glendale (12-14, 4-5) easily disposed of Citrus College (4-22, 1-7), 77-65, during the winter session match.
A year after finishing 23-11 and making it to the State Final Eight in Stockton, GCC has struggled all season long, and in its most important game of the season the Vaqueros rebounded from a 65-62 loss to College of the Canyons on Feb. 2 in a game in which they led by 16, and from a 64-55 loss to L.A. Valley College on Feb. 6.
“This was a huge win for us,” forward Kevin Krose said. “It’s not for sure if we’re going to get into the playoffs.”
The Vaqueros started the second half outscoring Citrus 10-2, and extended their eight-point halftime lead to 16 before a timeout by the Owls, and two minutes later, the lead increased to 20.
The key to the second half was the Glendale defense. The team forced Citrus into eight turnovers, and 15 for the game.
“Coach [Brian Beauchemin] really chewed us out at halftime,” Krose said. “We were playing to their level, and in the second half, we got in down low to Marc, and that opened up our shots from the outside.”
Krose scored 13 of his 14 points in the second half, was 3-for-6 on 3-pointers, and had 11 rebounds and five assists.
Glendale Center Fabian Leon added 15 points, and 14 rebounds and was 6-for-11 shooting, including three-for-six on 3-pointers.
“Walter Bratton and Damon Conway led Citrus with 14 points each.
Glendale defeated Citrus 93-69 when the two met on Jan. 16.
If Glendale wins two out of final three games that should be enough to qualify for the playoffs. The Vaqueros were scheduled to play at West L.A. on Feb. 16 and will finish the season with home games against Santa Monica College on Wednesday and Bakersfield College this Saturday.