Last Saturday’s Round 3 playoffs were one of the most important games for the Fresno City College men’s basketball team. It wasn’t just important for them, but for the whole Fresno community because winning this game meant the Rams would play for the State Quarter-Final Championship.

The FCC Rams played against the Hawks of Cosumnes River College in the FCC gym. The Rams were confident and energetic, practicing shooting hoops minutes before the game started.

A foul against FCC #14 Ian Collis gave the Rams the first point of the game, and there was no stopping them; after that ,they kept scoring more and more shots. In the whole first half, the Rams were ahead for more than 10 points, making it hard for the Hawks to catch up.

Many fans came out to support the team. There wasn’t a queit moment during the game as everyone cheered and applauded each time the Rams scored. The team has put in a lot of work and dedication to get to this moment. The hard work has paid off because the Rams are #1 in the state.

The men’s FCC basketball team has not lost one game, staying undefeated this whole season. Their 34-0 record is historic and the second longest winning streak for the Fresno City College Rams.

“I’m here supporting the Rams. I hope they win; they deserve it,” said Rams fan, John Taylor.

The FCC basketball team booed the Hawks every time they had the ball and were trying to shoot.

Throughout, the FCC basketball team were up, moving around, supporting and encouraging their teammates, yelling and screaming to stay motivated.

FCC #15 Sophomore George De Leon kept shooting and scoring points for the Rams. Many of the big plays of this game were done by #15 De Leon, who was always stealing the ball and scoring, making it seem effortless.

“George is good!,” yelled Maryann, a Rams supporter, when FCC #15 De Leon scored. The first half ended with a score of 51-31, giving the FCC Rams a 20 point lead.

Five minutes before the first half time was over the FCC team came out shooting hoops and warming up for the second half. The second half started and the Rams kept scoring point after point. The Rams were always ahead by 30 points or more the entire second half, making it more impossible for the Hawks to catch up.

FCC #3 Aaron Hill made the first three pointer for the FCC Rams and the whole crowd started cheering for him. His team mates gave him a high five for his score. The Hawks never gave up and were giving the FCC Rams a fight for the ball. At one point of the game, the Hawks’ coach just sat there and watched the game, seemingly resigned to the fact that they had lost the game.

The game was very fast paced and the Rams kept shooting, trying to make one more hoop to make sure they will win. With only ten seconds left in the game the Rams started celebrating. The team ran to the court hugging each other because they had won.

The final score was 98 – 70, giving the Rams another victory to add to their undefeated season. “It feels wonderful,” said exhausted FCC basketball team player #10, Travis Ferrell with a big smile. “It’s a group accomplishment. We have worked so hard since August, waking up at 6:00 a.m. practicing.”

The FCC team has truly put all of their efforts to be #1. They have practiced since August to stay fit for the games.”I’m excited, can’t wait to go to Selland Arena,” said #15 George De Leon. “The team did great tonight. It was awesome,” he added while cleaning his sweat. After that, he went to his family and friends, congratulating each other for their success.

The next game for the Rams would be against Riverside College (27-7) number 4 South seed, at Fresno’s Selland Arena on March 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

If the Rams win, they will play the semi-finals on Saturday, March 14 at 3:00 p.m. The championship will be on Sunday, March 15 at 1:00 p.m.