Men's Basketball recover from a first round loss

SAN FRANCISCO - College of the Sequoias men's basketball won the consolation championship at the Golden Gate Classic during the weekend.

COS head coach Rusty Smith was proud of his team for rebounding after a first-round loss.

"Winning any game is an accomplishment," Smith said. "We feel really good about winning the consolation championship. At this point it is more about trying to improve in all aspects of the game."

The Giants were defeated 66-52 by Cypress in the first round of the tournament on Friday. Freshman guards Isaiah Johnson and Austin Armstead both scored in double digits. Johnson had 13, while Armsead had 12 points in the loss.

COS (5-4) strung together back-to-back wins in the tournament to go over .500  the season, and win the championship.

On Saturday, the Giants hung on to a 62-58 lead to beat San Jose. Johnson led the team in points for the second straight game with 18. Freshman forward Kentrey Bynum had a helping hand in the victory, adding 15 points of his own.

The consolation championship game was another thriller for those in attendance. Sequoias beat Sierra 70-63 with the help of Austin Molezzo's six three-point baskets. The freshman guard from Tulare finished with a game-high 18 points. Armstead also contributed 11 points in the win.

Sophomore forward Bobby Kazar was named to the All-Tournament team at the conclusion of the weekend.

Playing in consecutive days is tough, but Smith does not hand out his sympathy in tournament play.

"Three games in three days is a tough grind, but the team's you're competing against are doing the same thing," Smith said. "No one is feeling sorry for anybody."

Up next for the Giants is a home game against San Diego Mesa on Dec. 10. Tip-off at Porter Field House is scheduled for 3 p.m.