SRJC men’s basketball can’t overcome early struggles, lose 71-62 to Cosumnes River

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Reporter • February 12, 2025

Bear Cubs guard, Andrew Pengel, left, and forwards Audon Forgus, center, and Jaden Washington, right, re-enter the court following a grueling first half against Cosumnes River at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.

The Santa Rosa Junior College men’s basketball team (10-2) suffered just its second conference loss of the season after a slow start against Cosumnes River College (7-6) on Friday at Haehl Pavilion.

The Bear Cubs’ previous game against Folsom Lake was postponed due to a leak in the Haehl Pavilion ceiling and will resume Feb. 14.

“We were all disappointed that we weren’t able to play Folsom on Tuesday night. We have to be able to adjust when things come up that are beyond our control,” SRJC head coach Craig McMillan said.

Santa Rosa, ranked No. 13 in CCCAA, remained in second place in the Big 8 conference despite their 71-62 loss to unranked Cosumnes River.

“The season has gone well, but we didn’t play well against Cosumnes River,” McMillan said.

SRJC started ice-cold, giving up 17 straight points before freshman forward Vincent Jackson finally got the Bear Cubs on the board nine minutes into the game.

SRJC’s redshirts celebrate an Andrew Pengel three pointer as the Bear Cubs fight back against Cosumnes River at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb 7, 2025. (Nathan Kaito Morris)

Later in the first half, freshman guard Spencer Langowski broke past Cosumnes River’s defense and hit the paint for a layup with only two seconds on the clock, cutting the deficit to 36-18 going into halftime.

The Bear Cubs gained momentum in the second half, scoring 17 points in just four minutes. Within those four minutes sophomore guard Andrew Pengel scored eight, putting the score at 51-44 with the Bear Cubs still trailing.

The Hawks responded with a 12-2 run and extended their lead to 63-46. The Bear Cubs fought back late, but ultimately lost 71-62.

“I think we didn’t move the ball as much as we should have,” freshman forward Audon Forgus said. “The second half we played better but at that point it was too late.”

With only a month left in conference play, SRJC will look to refocus and finish the season strong.

“We need to be ready to practice every day, compete and execute the game plan,” Forgus said.

The Bear Cubs came back strong against Sierra College, winning 76-55 on Feb. 11. They will travel to Sacramento City on Feb. 13 before returning home to finish their game against Folsom Lake on Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

About the Contributors

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Photographer

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez is in his first semester at the Oak Leaf. He is pursuing a degree in political science and a degree in journalism and hopes to transfer to San Francisco State University. On his time of leisure he enjoys listening to music, particularly metal and taking photos at events and demonstrations.

Nathan Kaito Morris, Photo Editor

Nathan Kaito Morris was born in Japan and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is fluent in both Japanese and English. This is his fourth semester at the JC, and his second in the Oak Leaf. Morris is pursuing a degree in Journalism and has a passion for photography. He is hoping to transfer to the University of New Orleans. he is eager to start working at The Oak Leaf and improving his journalism abilities.