HUNTINGTON BEACH – Freshman Myles Jones' layup with 8 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner for Ro Hondo College in its thrilling 88-84 victory at Golden West College in both teams' season opener on Tuesday.
The game was a tight battle throughout. Rio Hondo got off to a fast start, jumping out to a 9-2 lead to open the contest. The two teams exchanged leads over the opening half, but with the score tied up 32-32 with two minutes to play, Rio Hondo used to 7-0 run go ahead and eventually took a slim 39-35 advantage into the break.
It was more of the same in the second half. Neither team could pull away until late. With 2:48 remaining in the game, Alwyn Saddler IV sank a pair of free throws to give Rio Hondo a 76-71 advantage.
But once again, Golden West rallied back. A jumper by the Rustlers' Micah Harkey put them in front 78-77 with 1:51 left. Saddler responded with a 3-pointer on the Roadrunners' ensuing possession to give Rio Hondo an 80-78 with 1:38 to play.
The lead changed hands and was tied up (84-84) one final time after Golden West got a jumper from Soma Doherty with 38 seconds remaining. After a blocked shot and offensive rebound, Jones came through with the layup with the shot clock winding down to give Rio Hondo the two-point lead with 8 seconds left on the clock.
Jones followed that with a steal and fastbreak layup to seal the victory.
Jones put together a monster game in his collegiate debut for the Roadrunners. He scored a game-high 26 points and added 2 rebounds and a pair of steals.
George Ashley poured in 19 points to go with 5 assists, Saddler added 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Sharodd Lewis chipped in with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals.
Golden West (0-1) got a team-high 22 points from Doherty.
Rio Hondo will look to keep the momentum going on Thursday (Nov. 3) when the Roadrunners begin play at the San Monica College O'Fallon and Singui Classic tournament. Rio Hondo is set to take on Orange Coast College at 3 p.m. and will take on Compton College on Saturday at 3 p.m.