Second place is good but not what the Giants are shooting for as they have had 20 plus wins in back to back seasons after finishing just 12-16 in 2017.

The COS Men’s basketball team has a chance to distance themselves and take control of second place in the Central Valley juco conference as they take on the Columbia Jumpers.

The Jumpers and Giants are currently both tied for second in the conference at 3-1.

COS got absolutely clobbered by Fresno City but since then the Giants have won 2 in a row including a tight emotional win against cross town rival Reedley which they won 77-75 and overcame a 4 point deficit with a minute and a half left.

Even though the Giants have the home court advantage don’t be fooled as two of the COS’ four losses have come at home. While Columbia is 6-1 on the road only losing to power house Fresno City who beats everyone.

However there are three reasons why Giants fans should be very encouraged that their team will pull out a win in this game.

The first reason is the rebound differential. In conference play the Giants average 52 per game and the Jumpers average 37 per game. Basketball is a game of possessions the more you have the ball the better chance you have of winning.

Second reason is that Colombia only averages 15 assists a game in conference play while COS averages 23. That means that the ball sticks a lot and Columbia likes to go one on one which is easier to guard versus a team like cos who moves the ball and gets everyone involved.

Third and final reason why Giants fans should be encouraged is because the Jumpers opponents average 42 percent from the 3 point line and 49 percent from the field. I don’t care who you are if you shoot 42 percent from the 3 point line and nearly 50 percent from the field you’re almost guaranteed to win. That’s just way too efficient you gotta have some kind of defense that’s like giving up 30 points a game in football it makes it extremely difficult to beat someone when they can score at will.

So come out and support your COS Giants Wednesday, January 22, in the Porter Field House Gym at 7 P.M.