The Southwestern Oregon Community College men’s basketball team beat Hartnell College 84-80 at the Corsair Classic at Eureka, Calif., on Friday.

The Lakers play tournament host College of the Redwoods today.

Joe Foster continued a hot hand with 34 points, including six 3-pointers for the Lakers. Foster also hit 12 of 15 free throws.

Matt Dance added 15 points for Southwestern.

“We actually had a pretty big lead in the first half and we were only up five at the half,” said Southwestern coach Trevor Hoppe. “We’re learning that teams play whole games. It’s the learning time of the year.”

Women improved in loss

Southwestern women’s coach Stacia Rustad was thrilled with her team’s effort in a 20-point loss to tournament host Shasta College in a tournament at Redding, Calif., on Friday.

“We played so well,” Rustad said. “I am so pleased with my young ladies.”

Shasta has been the top team in its conference for years.

“We played with them for 30 minutes,” Rustad said. “Our defensive intensity was top of the line. What I’m most proud of is we played 10 times better than we did in our tip-off weekend. We need to improve every night out and we did that.”

Kristen Lorenzo had 15 points, Veronica Rand added 10,  and Kathleen Luce and Briana Wallace had six each. All but one of the 13 players scored.

Point guard Joy Ribao had six rebounds and four assists and Rachel Matthews four points and seven assists.

The Lakers play Mendocino at 3 p.m. today.