Strong First-Half Not Enough for the Warriors

Westcliff men's basketball team knew they had to bring their "A game" if they wanted to beat the number one team in the conference, the University of Antelope Valley.

In the first half, that goal seemed reachable as the Warriors went up by double digits. 

But in the second half, Westcliff wasn't able to be as effective as they would go on to lose 76-68.

In the first half, the Warriors showed signs of a team that can beat the best teams in the conference as they raced to an eight-point lead within the first four minutes.

With a free throw from Abdul Abdullah, Westcliff went up by double digits 16-6, as they looked like the better team.

They had an answer for any run that Antelope Valley tried to make and kept and with four minutes left of the first half had increased it to 11 points.

After 20 minutes, the Warriors finished a strong first half up 41-33.

Abdullah had an impactful first half and went into the locker room with 15 points and six rebounds.

But basketball games are not won after just one half, and with how easily players can score, a single-digit lead is never enough.

To their credit, the Warriors tried hard to stay on top and they did for the first nine minutes of the second half.

At the 11:24 mark, Antelope Valley took a one-point lead and would stay on top for the remainder of the game.

Westcliff had too many turnovers in the second half, making it hard to keep up with the scoring from Antelope Valley.

With the loss, Westcliff dropped to fifth place in the Cal Pac Conference with a record of (6-5) and overall (7-7).

Abdullah finished with another double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

Gary Harris scored 11 points, grabbed six rebounds, and had three steals.

Micaiah Hankins had 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

The Warriors will go on the road for the next couple of games.

Up next they will play La Sierra on Jan. 28, at 8:00 PM.