Panthers are unable to overcome a 10 point halftime deficit in 69-62 loss to the Hawks; Duplessis had 20 points and Gillyard finished with 18 points
Cosumnes River Defeats Sacramento City 69-62 on December 23, 2024
Cosumnes River defeated Sacramento City 69-62 on December 23, 2024, in a closely contested game at Sacramento City College. Despite a strong second-half effort from the Panthers, the Hawks held on to their first-half advantage to secure the win.
First Half: Cosumnes River Takes Control
Cosumnes River jumped out to a 38-28 lead at halftime behind a well-rounded offensive attack. Jake Williams led the way for the Hawks with 22 points, shooting 66.7% from the field (8-12) and contributing 11 rebounds. Kainoa Marasco also chipped in 13 points, including two three-pointers. The Hawks shot 40.7% from the field and 53.1% from the free-throw line, with their solid rebounding (12 offensive, 36 total) allowing them to dominate the boards.
Sacramento City's offense struggled in the first half, shooting just 32.9% from the field. Sidney Duplessis led the Panthers with 11 points, but the team was hampered by poor shooting, especially from beyond the arc (1-6 for Duplessis and 3-32 overall). Aaron Gillyard also added 8 points but was limited by missed opportunities. Sacramento City was unable to capitalize on their defensive efforts and trailed by 10 points at halftime.
Second Half: Sacramento City Fights Back
Sacramento City came out more determined in the second half, outscoring Cosumnes River 34-31. Duplessis found his rhythm, finishing the game with 20 points, and Aaron Gillyard contributed 18 points. Despite the surge, the Panthers were never able to fully close the gap. Their shooting woes continued, especially from three-point range, where they shot just 9.4% (3-32).
Cosumnes River kept their lead thanks to balanced scoring and strong rebounding. Mason Marsh and Kason Johnson each contributed 7 points off the bench, and the Hawks' defense held firm to maintain their advantage. Although the Panthers had several opportunities to narrow the gap, Cosumnes River's ability to hit key free throws (53.1%) and their superior shooting percentage (40.7%) ultimately helped them secure the victory.
Key Performances
Cosumnes River:
- Jake Williams: 22 points, 11 rebounds
- Kainoa Marasco: 13 points
- Mason Marsh: 10 points, 7 rebounds
- Kason Johnson: 7 points
Sacramento City:
- Sidney Duplessis: 20 points
- Aaron Gillyard: 18 points, 6 rebounds
- Jeremy Kimber: 6 points, 7 rebounds
- Exander Irving-Romero: 3 points
Team Stats
Cosumnes River:
- 24-59 (40.7% FG), 4-20 (20.0% 3P), 17-32 (53.1% FT)
Sacramento City:
- 24-73 (32.9% FG), 3-32 (9.4% 3P), 11-22 (50.0% FT)
