Men’s basketball team makes playoffs fifth consecutive year

New coach, same result.

For the fifth time in as many years, the Citrus College men's basketball team (23-5, 9-3) has earned a spot in the CCCAA Southern California regional playoffs.

This was coach Chris Victor's first season at the helm of the Owls, succeeding Rick Croy who led the Owls to three straight WSC south championships, including a CCCAA State Championship in 2008.

Sophomore guard Donnell Phifer said the transition from Croy to Victor was an easy one.

"Coach does a lot of things similar to Croy," He said. "When it comes to intensity, he steps it up."

The Owls closed out the regular season with an 85-66 win Feb. 19 against College of the Canyons (13-15, 5-7).

The game remained close throughout the first half ending with a 35-29 Citrus lead.

That changed quickly when Citrus opened up the second half with a 20-5 run in the first 3:20 of the second half.

"We started to play harder and consistent," said guard Hakeem Washington. "We picked up our defense and we stopped their game."

The sophomore guard Washington ended his final regular season game at The Owls Nest with five points and three assists. He had 266 points, 55 rebounds and 74 assists on the season.

Citrus continued its dominate second half, getting as much as a 33-point lead.

The final score was 85-66.

Other Owls sophomores, besides Washington, honored during pre game festivities included Donte Archie, Lateef McMullan, Jacob Ranger, Greg McFarland and Phifer.

The Owls finished second in the WSC South behind Santa Monica. It brings to an end the three consecutive WSC South championships by Citrus.

Although Citrus ended the season on a three game winning streak, their record on the road was not as impressive. In conference play, the Owls had a sub-par 3-3 road record.

"We haven't won any close road games, so we definitely have to improve on that," Phiefer said. "We're not where we want to be at right now, but we're going to get there."

Playoff action begins Feb. 26. The No. 4 seeded Owls will face the winner of the Feb. 23 game between Antelope Valley and Oxnard.

"The season isn't over yet," coach Victor said. " We're looking forward to competing for that state championship."