In the second round of the Don Gehler memorial basketball tournament the MiraCosta men's basketball game came up short against the ranked Cerritos College team.  The final score 79-60 was not indicative of how the Spartans, (1-1), battled throughout the game. MiraCosta led early in the first half, scoring a number of baskets on fast break attempts.  When Cerritos settled down, their size and athleticism became more impactful. The Spartans, however, didn't back down.  Behind the phsyical play of Mark Olejniczak, Aleks Pocej, Tre Morgan, Andrew Thomton and Gagan Nijjar MiraCosta kept the game close.  Late in the second half the Spartans trailed by only seven but after a flurry of turnovers Cerritos extended their lead and ran away with the win. 

Xavier Allison led the way with 10 points and eight assists.  Andrew Thomton added nine points and Cody Hicks and Gagan Nijjar both scored eight.

MiraCosta will play Irvine Valley College in the third place game on Saturday at 2pm at Miramar College.