FULLERTON, Calif. (Interstat) — The Fullerton College Hornets avenged an early-season loss and maintained their dominant start to the season with a methodical 72-58 victory over the West Los Angeles College Wildcats in a men’s junior college basketball game Saturday.

The Hornets, improving to 10-1 overall, used a blistering first-quarter offensive display to build a commanding lead that the Wildcats could never seriously threaten. Fullerton scored 39 points in the opening period, shooting efficiently from the floor and capitalizing on West LA’s early mistakes, and entered halftime leading 72-58.

The most important part of the game was unquestionably the first quarter, where Fullerton established a double-digit lead it would never relinquish. The Hornets opened the game on a 10-2 run, forcing two quick Wildcats turnovers and converting them into easy baskets. Despite a timeout from West Los Angeles coach at the 16:26 mark with his team already down 10, the Wildcats continued to struggle with Fullerton’s defensive pressure and offensive execution. The Hornets closed the quarter on a 9-2 burst, capped by a Donovan Pitts layup just before the buzzer, to take a 39-28 lead. This early cushion allowed Fullerton to control the tempo and withstand any subsequent runs.

Yoda Oke led Fullerton with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Donovan Pitts added 15 points, and Jaqari Miles contributed 13. The Hornets’ offense was notably efficient, scoring 72 points on just 64 possessions. They shot 51.2% from the field and, crucially, attempted 33 free throws, making 20, while West Los Angeles went only 4 for 10 from the line.

West Los Angeles, which fell to 9-3, was led by Malachi Knight and Chase Coleman with 12 points each. Qiani Bowens added 10 off the bench. The Wildcats shot just 38.6% from the field and were hampered by 23 personal fouls and 12 turnovers, which fueled Fullerton’s transition game. Despite grabbing nine offensive rebounds, West LA could not convert its second chances efficiently enough to mount a comeback.

The win marked a reversal from the teams’ previous meeting on Nov. 19, when West Los Angeles defeated Fullerton 92-86. Since that loss, the Hornets have won six consecutive games.

Fullerton’s defense was a key factor, holding the Wildcats to an offensive rating of 89.6 points per 100 possessions. The Hornets also recorded seven steals and three blocks.

West Los Angeles will look to rebound when it hosts Los Angeles Trade Tech on Wednesday. Fullerton travels to face Santa Monica, also on Wednesday.