
Walnut, Calif. – In a highly anticipated South Coast Conference matchup, the Mt. SAC Men's Basketball Team narrowly topped Pasadena City College, 72-68, on Friday, January 24. Following this victory, the Mounties' record remains nearly perfect at 18-1, while the Lancers drop to 11-8.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Lancers started with a seven-point run in the first half with layups from Darrius Freeman and Cooper Creamer along with a three-pointer from Jalen Vazquez to put them in front. Jon McCullough then took things into his own hands when he brought the Mounties back in the game with a layup, a jump shot and a three-pointer to tie it up.
The game remained tightly contested throughout the relatively low-scoring first half, with Marvel Chambers adding 8 points while Kenneth Brown, Jaidyn Simpson and Ryan Wheeler held strong on defense totaling 14 rebounds to keep the Mounties protected from another Pasadena surge. For the Lancers, Vazquez contributed 8 points and 5 assists, keeping the game within reach. The Mounties held a slim 26-23 advantage at the end of the first half.
Both teams came out of the break fired up, nearly doubling their first-half scoring. Kaiden Fine quickly hit a three-pointer to tie the game, but the Mounties answered with an explosive second half. Brown and Simpson combined for 25 points (13 and 12, respectively), while McCullough grabbed 9 rebounds. Vazquez, Fine, and Darrius Freeman led the Lancers' charge, helping them score 45 points in the second half. However, Mt. SAC stayed just ahead, putting up 46 points of their own to seal the win.
In a well-matched and hard-fought game, the Mounties emerged victorious, securing their 12th straight win.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Kenneth Brown (Mt. SAC): Team-high 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 blocks
- Jaidyn Simpson (Mt. SAC): 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Marvel Chambers (Mt. SAC): 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
- Jon McCullough (Mt. SAC): 9 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists 2 steals
- Jalen Vazquez (Pasadena): Game-high 20 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists
- Darrius Freeman (Pasadena): 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
- Dylan Swillis (Pasadena): 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks
UP NEXT:
The Mounties will host Compton College (11-8) on Monday, January 27, at 5:00 PM. This game was originally scheduled to be played on January 8, but was postponed. Come out to support the talented Mt. SAC Men's Basketball Team as they attempt to extend their winning streak!
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Mt. SAC Men's Basketball on twitter @MtSAC_MBKB or Instagram /mt.sacbasketball/
Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics
For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.