A 69-54 loss to the Antelope Valley College Marauders put an end to the Cerritos College men’s basketball season as turnovers were a big factor last Wednesday.

The No. 19-seeded Falcons came out with a lot of energy and put together an early 14-7 lead on the road but then saw their lead cut as consecutive turnovers hurt the team.

The Marauders took a 34-27 lead into the half and didn’t look back as they held a lead as big as 18 points in the second half.

Cerritos College shot 28 percent from the field and turned the ball over 16 times in what was the game that would close out the season for the Falcons.

Sophomore point guard Anthony Holliday was only held to seven points and two rebounds in 36 minutes of play.

“We lacked focus at points. I believe our potential goes way beyond a first round loss, I believe in those guys. We just needed to maintain a consistent focus level throughout the season,” he said.

Holliday, who will be transferring to Lamar University on a basketball scholarship, still feels the season was a successful one.

“It’s hard to deal with a loss like that, but through all the ups and downs it made us more than just teammates, it literally made us a family.”

He also added, “I loved the chemistry, from 1-13, everyone was close, everyone were like brothers, I loved going to practice because those group of guys made it enjoyable.”

Guard Kevin Conrad, who has had a successful freshman season, played only seven minutes due to an injury he suffered early in the game.

“I had to watch the season slowly fade away but it’s motivation to do 100 times better.

“Great season didn’t go as far as we wanted, but we learned a lot. I loved the chemistry. (We have) great teammates and (a) great coaching staff by far.”

The Falcons finished the season with an overall 16-11 record and will look to rebuild for next season as the team will be losing nine sophomores.