Originally written for publishing on February 13, 2013.

The Fullerton College men’s basketball team had a hard time keeping up with the Saddleback Gauchos’ momentum as they scored their lowest point total of the season in its 71-53 loss at home, on Wedensday night.

In need of a victory to make the playoffs, the Hornets (12-13, 4-6 in OEC) couldn’t find a way to put the brakes on Saddleback’s magical season.

Assistant Coach, and team Chaplin, Patrick Singleton expressed confidence going into tonights match up against the first place Gauchos.

“We almost had them last game.” Singleton said. “This is a must win game, we must win out.”

The Hornets had a very early 3-0 lead in the start of the first half, but soon fell victim to the Gauchos’ shooting abilities, and were not able to regain the lead for the rest of the game.

The Hornets came out of the half with a fierce 6-0 run, that sent the opposing coach on a brief profanity-laced tirade. Fullerton couldn’t maintain that energy after five fouls were called against them within a 45 second span in the middle of the second half.

Saddleback shot 51.1percent from the field and 47.1 percent from behind the arch, shooting 8-17on threes to Fullerton’s 2-14. At the same time, the Gauchos restricted the Hornets to just 30.1 percent from the field with a defense tonight that seemed to fluster the Hornets into making nine turnovers.

Hornet Guard Julian Caldwell, who led all scorers with 16 points, was understandably upset after the tough loss.

“We got beat, we played hard, executed to the fullest,” Julian said. “We just got beat.”

The Hornets have two games left this season and want to wrap the year up on a positive note. Up next, the Hornets will play host Irvine Valley College this Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.