Big Second Half Pushes Warriors Past Imperial Valley

TORRANCE, Calif. --- El Camino College secured an 85-70 non-conference victory over visiting Imperial Valley on Wednesday evening at the ECC Gym Complex.

The Warriors outscored their opponent 52-37 in the second half to break a halftime tie and secure the victory. Justin Cricri led the offense with 19 points with six rebounds in just 18 minutes of action. Rocco Gaffoglio added 16 points and Darrin Poland Jr. pitched in with 14 points in 13 minutes off the bench.

The first half was a struggle for both offenses as they combined for 27 turnovers in the first 20 minutes. The Warriors shot just 40 percent in the opening half but created 15 turnovers to keep the game level at 33-33 in the first half.

In the final period, the Warriors defense pressed Imperial Valley and created another 18 turnovers while the offense was on fire, shooting 58.8 percent from the field. The Warriors recorded 20 steals as a team with Poland leading the charge with five while Kai Johnson added four.

Overall, the Warriors forced 33 turnovers and scored 35 points off the miscues to pull ahead late and secure the win.

The Warriors will return to action on Friday evening when they host College of the Desert for a 5 p.m. tipoff.