The Hornets had a 12-0 lead just three minutes into the game and never looked back as they coasted to a 72-50 victory over the Tigers. Fullerton led by as many as 25 points and never let the game get within nine points after the first four minutes of the game.

The fast start was aided by two 3-pointers by sophomore forward Blake McBride and three steals forced by the Hornets. McBride led all scorers with 21 points.

“I don’t like to worry about individual achievements, I just want to help my team win,” said McBride. “Coach told me they were going to pack it in and make us shoot so I just took advantage of the open looks.”

Fullerton’s five starters accounted for 39 of the 40 first half points. The Hornets led 40-22 at the half.

The Hornet defense held the visiting Tigers to 35 percent shooting from the field and forced 20 turnovers. Led by starting sophomore guard Ian Fox’s four steals and constant ball pressure, the Tigers were not able to get momentum started.

Freshman forward Kenny Barnes contributed a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Barnes also put the final statement on the game with four minutes left when he stole the ball raced past the Tiger defender and dunked the ball forcing a Riverside timeout.

“I was happy with the way we defended, thats our ticket going forward,” said head coach Perry Webster. “We need to attack each day and not become complacent we still got a lot we want to accomplish and a lot for us to get done, so we gotta stay working.”

Fullerton improved to 19-5 overall and 7-1 in conference play. Riverside College falls to 11-14 overall and 3-6 in conference play. The Hornets will be on the road Wednesday against Orange Coast College at 7:00 p.m. and at home Friday to take on Santa Ana College at 7:00 p.m.