In its first game of the season, the American River College men’s basketball team played a close match against College of the Redwoods on Nov. 7, losing by only two points, with a final score of 78-76 in favor of Redwoods. 

ARC started the game off in a rough spot, giving the Redwoods a solid lead in the first half of the match. The Beavers ended the first period 20 points behind the Redwoods, with a score of 19-39.

After halftime, ARC seemed to find its rhythm and began to steadily catch up on points in the second period. 

Coach Michael Lorente said he felt the first half could have gone a lot better but that he was glad the team pulled it together after halftime.

“It wasn’t a very pretty first half but our guys responded in the second half because they finally started doing what they should have done in the first place,” Lorente said. “I think we started really digging down and focused on defense and rebounds, the rest will fall into place,”

Starting guard Jashon Lewis was the highest scoring player for the Beavers and worked to turn the game around in the second half.

Lewis says that although this was only the first game, he recognizes the teams potential and hopes they can all improve.

“It’s a tough loss. I feel like we are better than that team. More talented for sure. There’s a lot to learn from but it’s only the first game,” Lewis said. “I need to work on my decision making for sure, more effort on defense, just leading my team overall by example.”