Men's Basketball: Vikings hang on for 78-74 win over Santa Ana

Freshman Brandon Staton (Poly HS) scored 20 points and added six rebounds to help lead the Long Beach City College men's basketball team to a 78-74 win over visiting Santa Ana College on Tuesday in the Vikings' home opener at the Hall of Champions Gym.

With the non-conference win, LBCC improved to 5-4 while Santa Ana dropped to 5-3 overall.

Three-point shooting proved to be the difference in the contest as the Vikings shot 8 of 32 from beyond the arc, including five three-pointers by Staton.

Long Beach held a narrow 42-41 lead at halftime, but trailed Santa Ana 61-58 with nine minutes left in the game. A three-pointer by sophomore Kristien Owens (Wilson HS) set off a 10-0 run by the Vikings that gave them a 68-61 advantage that they wouldn't give up.

Owens scored 15 points to go with six assists and five rebounds while freshman Chris Spencer (Jordan HS) totaled 14 points and a nine rebounds. Elijah Gaines (San Pedro HS) came off the bench to post a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Santa Ana was led by Terrence Blum's 20 points and Cammie Lewis added 18 points.

Long Beach returns to action on December 19-21 when the Vikings will compete at the Saddleback College Bill Brummel Classic tournament.