Riggins Fills In, Helps Gauchos Slide Past Orange Coast, 70-66

Michael Riggins, who started at point guard because Caleb Ashley was ill, made three key plays in the closing minutes of Saddleback’s 70-66 victory over host Orange Coast in an Orange Empire Conference men’s basketball game Friday.

Orange Coast went ahead, 62-59, with 5 minutes 10 seconds left but Saddleback tied it, 62-62, on a Riggins three-pointer with 3:07 left.

Riggins then got a steal and later an assist as David Drakeford (17 points) made a three-pointer to put Saddleback ahead, 65-62, with 52 seconds left. The pass came with three seconds left on the shot clock.

Anthony Carter (23 points) made four free throws in the final 14 seconds to keep Saddleback (16-3, 4-0) ahead.

Duane Curtis had a team-high 19, including 14 in the second half, for OCC (11-10, 2-2).

He made a three-pointer with eight seconds left to cut the lead to 68-66. Carter then made two free throws with seven seconds left and OCC turned it over as time ran out.