TORRANCE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a surprising reversal of expectations, the El Camino Warriors defeated the Pasadena City Lancers 63-55 in a men’s junior college basketball game Friday night, overcoming a dominant individual performance and defying a statistical projection that heavily favored the visitors.

The game, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, saw the Warriors improve their season record to 5-2, while the Lancers fell to 1-2. The outcome was starkly at odds with the pregame forecast from Interstat’s ELO system, which had given Pasadena City a 91.5 percent probability to win.

The contest was defined by contrasting offensive efficiencies. El Camino scored its 63 points on 69 possessions, resulting in an offensive rating of 91.9. Pasadena City, meanwhile, was hampered by inefficiency, managing only 55 points from 72 possessions for an offensive rating of 76.4. The Lancers’ struggles were most apparent from the free-throw line, where they converted just 11 of 21 attempts.

Pasadena City’s Gor-El Zollicofer opened the game with a spectacular flurry, sinking three 3-pointers in the first 90 seconds to give the Lancers an early lead. However, El Camino weathered the initial storm and methodically worked its way back into the game, closing the first quarter trailing by only two points, 27-25.

The second quarter belonged to the Warriors, who outscored the Lancers 36-30 to secure the victory. El Camino’s control was cemented by a significant rebounding advantage, pulling down 48 total rebounds compared to Pasadena City’s 36. The Warriors also dominated on the offensive glass, grabbing 16 offensive rebounds which led to crucial second-chance opportunities.

Kai Johnson led all scorers for El Camino, finishing with 20 points and contributing on the defensive end with multiple steals. He was supported by Rocco Gaffoglio, who added 11 points, and the duo of Justin Cricri and Landon Starnes, who each chipped in 10 points. Cricri also neared a double-double with nine rebounds.

For Pasadena City, Zollicofer’s hot start translated into a team-high 17 points, but the Lancers could not find a consistent rhythm elsewhere. Donovan Ford provided a bright spot with a strong all-around effort, hauling in a game-high 13 rebounds to go with six points. Darrius Freeman directed the offense for much of the night, dishing out a team-best four assists.

Both teams committed a nearly identical number of turnovers and personal fouls, but El Camino’s superior shooting from the field—25 for 62 compared to Pasadena City’s 19 for 54—and their command of the boards proved to be the decisive factors.

The Lancers will look to rebound when they host Compton on Tuesday. El Camino’s next contest is at home against Porterville on Wednesday.