On Wednesday, Jan. 30  both Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams face-off against the Chaffey College Panthers at Rio Hondo College’s gymnasium.

Both squads are in search of their first win in the South Coast Conference-North following two losses during last week’s opening games against Pasadena City College and Los Angeles Trade-Tech.

Steve Johnson’s Men Eager for Change in Fortune

It’s been a difficult start to the 2019 SCC season for Men’s Basketball. Wednesday, Jan. 23 the Roadrunners played as good as they have all season but losing their home opener 74-73 in overtime. Two days later, against no. 12 ranked LA Trade-Tech, a bad first half that ended 28-40 in favor of LA resulted in a 15-point loss on the road following a close 51-48 second frame.

The squad size, which sees only one player available on the bench for head coach Steve Johnson, plays a major factor on how teams are outlasting Rio. Opposing teams notice the lack of players on the Roadrunners team and use a heavy press which tires out the five starters who are caught bending down with hands on knees catching their breaths between whistles.

Hope exists that the fitness levels of the players will create higher amounts of energy as games pile on and players get used to the pace. Against the Panthers, which are 14-6 overall and 1-1 in the SCC, the Roadrunners can use the extended days off from their last game to recuperate and come out guns blazing. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.

Beginning 13-7 After 20 Preseason Games, Lady Roadrunners Look to Get Back on the Right Track

After enjoying a successful 20 game preseason which saw the Women’s Basketball team win 13 games and a couple of consolation bracket championships, head coach Rene Herrera and his Roadrunners come up against Chaffey at 7 p.m. ready to taste victory once more.

Chaffey will be Rio’s best chance at their first SCC win in school history since joining the conference two seasons ago as the Panthers are the only team in the SCC with less victories than Rio.

After winning its final two preseason games, back-to-back losses to start conference play came in games where multiple players hit double-digits in points and at least one player scored a double-double stat line. Despite the defeats, the stats show a positive analysis of the team’s efforts.

With wins, both Rio teams will improve to 1-2 and, with a visit from East Los Angeles College looming, the Roadrunners could use a momentum shift.