The American River College men’s basketball team lost a home game to Santa Rosa Junior College on Feb. 13 by a final score of 79-70, extending their current losing streak to three.

A hard-fought battle until the final buzzer, ARC was able to keep themselves in the game, but were unable to get over the hump, not having a single lead throughout the entire game.

 The Beavers consistently found themselves playing catch-up, allowing the Bear Cubs to take an 11-point lead early in the game, before getting themselves back within two points, then exchanging buckets with SRJC to end the first half all tied up at 34.

Foul trouble was a problem for the Beavers, with ARC forward Kobe Witherow-Bass fouling out within four minutes of the start of the second half. This game was an emotional affair, as refereeing was called into question, with both coaches verbally disagreeing with calls that were made against their respective teams. 

The Beavers had a couple of standout performances, most notably from guard pairing Jay Burgess and Ivan Soto. 

Burgess, who was the primary ball handler during his time on the court, was able to rack up 20 points, three assists, and two steals on 50% from the field. 

Soto, playing primarily in a catch and shoot role, had the hot hand throughout the entire game. He finished with 19 points, shooting 7-9 from the field and 5-6 from three-point range.

On the side of the Bear Cubs, forward Ezekiel Stallworth could do almost no wrong, ending the game with a double-double after putting up 26 points and 11 rebounds, as well as contributing three assists and three blocks, shooting 53% from the field, 71% from three, and cashing in on three of his four free throws. 

Although ARC did try to mount a late comeback, they weren’t able to make up the deficit, and SRJC was able to pull away late due to free throws.