Harbor Foils Men’s Basketball, 66-61

Close but no cigar has become a frustrating reality for the 2014-15 Pasadena City College men’s basketball team. Since the new year, only a 14 combined points difference has led to four losses and a 2-4 record that has dropped the Lancers to 8-12 overall.

In a non-conference game Friday night, PCC nearly erased a 13-point second-half deficit but host Los Angeles Harbor hung on for a 66-61 win. The Lancers were down 61-48 with three minutes left, but fought back with eight consecutive points in a little more than a minute span. The rally was capped by letterman center Faruk Oyalade’s put-back basket.

But luck hasn’t been on the Lancers’ side as case evidence their next trip down the floor. PCC’s pressure defense forced a turnover and the Lancers almost dropped the lead to two, but a 3-point attempt by freshman guard Demetrius Overstreet rimmed in-and-out. Harbor followed with two free throws by Elliot Morris that put the game out of reach, 63-56, with 1:16 remaining.

Sophomore guard Jonathan Henderson led PCC with 19 points, including four 3-point baskets, while frosh guard Dejon Williams had 12 points and four assists. Off the bench center Donell Tuff added nine points and 10 rebounds. Starting center Faruk Oyalade compiled six points and 13 rebounds.

Morris scored 19 points to pace Harbor (11-7).

Pasadena will host El Camino College on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in a 5 p.m. tip-off at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium.