By C.J. Peterson
LIVERMORE – The Las Positas Hawks fell to the College of the Sequoia Giants 87-81 in the northern regional semifinals of the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs.
After winning their first matchup against the Giants, Las Positas College looked to build on their 41-34 first half lead in hopes of besting Sequoia twice in one season.
The Giants had other plans however, as they went on an 11-4 run in the first 5 minutes of the half, tying the game at 45 a piece with just under 15 minutes to play.
Both teams traded blows with neither team gaining more than a four point advantage until the Giants took a 77-70 lead with two and a half minutes remaining in the game.
Sophomore guard Cameron Moses did all he could to rally his team mates sinking 3 of his last four shots that he took. But unfortunately Moses’s efforts would go unanswered.
Sequoia’s sophomore guard Simon Krajovic hit four free throws in crunch time to extend the lead to 79-70 with only a minute and a half remaining in the contest. Krajovic would go on to score 12 points in the second period all of which coming from the charity stripe.
A turnover with just over a minute remaining would all but seal the victory for Sequioa as they extended their lead over LPC to 85-71 as Krajovic hit four more free throws.
The Hawks wouldn’t go without a fight however. Freshman guard Nilo Yuson nailed a desperation 3 with 17.7 seconds remaining, bringing his team within 7 points, making the score 86-79. But it was too little too late. Hawks are eliminated from the playoffs.
