The Voice - Student Newspaper

OPEN FIRE: Men's basketball outguns Air Force in home opener

Compared to Glendale Community College basketball, the old run-and-gun Phoenix Suns would look like a group of methodical old men.

Such is the view from the stands as the Gauchos' bombed away to a 121-87 victory over Luke Air Force base in their home opener.

Remember, these are 40-minute games as opposed to the NBA's 48-minute contests.

The most frightening idea for conference rivals is that both coach Dave Hodges and his players believe they have yet to hit their stride.

"We didn't do exactly the pace [Hodges] wanted us to do," said freshman forward James Ellisor. "As the game continued, we were able to start running more."

Ellisor epitomized the Gauchos' efforts on the evening. The 6'4" gazelle struggled to get free in the open court in the game's first ten minutes, negating both his and Glendale's desires to get out and run.

Sophomore forward Nick Sheffield paced the Gauchos in the early going. The 6'6" bruiser scored all 12 of his points in the first half.

Glendale broke open the game pressuring defensively and running as a result. An 11-0 run gave the Gauchos a 43-32 lead late in the first half.

Ellisor had two resounding dunks and two assists in the spurt.

"As a freshman and it being my first real game, I was a little nervous," Ellisor admitted, "but eventually I got the jitters out and played OK."

In this case, "OK" meant leading the team in scoring with 21 points on the night.

Fouls and subsequent free throws kept Luke Air Force within striking distance. They trailed 58-49 at halftime.

The intermission was only a temporary reprieve, however. Glendale started the second half on a 13-2 run, and coasted to the win.

Point guard Lukas Hambsch ignited the attack, finishing with 10 points, 7 assists and 5 steals.

Hodges utilized his bench early and often, substituting a new five when the pace didn't appear to favor Glendale.

Freshman guard Mario Danogean spear-headed the full-throttle attack off the bench with 13 points.

Game Notes:

-While he didn't overwhelm the stats sheet, center and team captain Lance Fite made enough little plays (tips on rebounds, interior passes) to get the team going.

-Starting guard Mark Celaya rebounds especially well for his position. He snagged three offensive boards in the game's opening minutes.