First-Place Saddleback Loses

Saddleback suffered its first Orange Empire Conference loss in men’s basketball when the Gauchos were upset by visiting Orange Coast, 76-72, Wednesday.

Despite the loss, Saddleback (22-4, 10-1) maintained its one-game lead because Rancho Santiago upset second-place Riverside, 82-64, Wednesday.

Saddleback’s Anthony Carter (29 points) scored 11 in row to put the Gauchos ahead, 67-64, with about four minutes to play. But Duane Curtis had three baskets and a key free throw down the stretch.

Curtis had 23 points and Adrain Reyes added 18 for Orange Coast (15-13, 6-5).

In other men’s games:

Rancho Santiago 82, Riverside 64--Chris Rose had 23 points and 14 rebounds and Todd Wilson added 19 points for host Rancho Santiago (18-10, 6-5).

Cypress 82, Golden West 81--David Neal made a 10-footer as time ran out for host Cypress (13-15, 5-6).

Ray Jimmerson had 30 and Rod Scheuerman added 28 for Golden West.

In an Orange Empire Conference women’s game:

Saddleback 80, Orange Coast 43--Host Saddleback (24-0, 11-0) clinched its first women’s basketball conference title in the college’s history behind Maureen Skehan’s 18 points and six steals.

Orange Coast’s Jamie Shine, who was averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds, was in foul trouble much of the game and had only four points and two rebounds.