
Long Beach, Calif. – The Mt. SAC Men's Basketball Team continued its dominant season with a 99-88 win over Long Beach City College on Wednesday, January 15. This victory marked their tenth consecutive win, improving their record to an impressive 16-1, while the Vikings fell to 3-13. The Mounties now hold the No. 3 spot in the rankings, trailing San Francisco (No. 2) and Las Positas (No. 1).
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Long Beach struck first with a dunk by Kason White, followed by a jump shot from Major Hurley. However, Mt. SAC quickly responded with Ryan Wheeler's free throws and a Kenneth Brown three-pointer. Jaidyn Simpson began his stellar performance with consecutive baskets, including two jump shots, a layup, and a three-pointer.
The first half remained a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading leads. The Mounties closed the half strong, with contributions from Immanuel Taylor, Marvel Chambers, Jeremy Williams, and Jon McCullough, giving them a 49-38 lead at halftime.
The second half brought even more excitement, particularly from Simpson, who delivered an incredible 25 points, including four three-pointers and a perfect seven-for-seven from the free-throw line. Despite a valiant effort by Long Beach's Lawrence Brown, who added 16 points, four free throws, and three assists, the Vikings couldn't close the gap.
Both teams scored 50 points in the second half, but Mt. SAC's dominant first-half performance and stronger defense sealed the win. The Mounties out-rebounded the Vikings 42-29 and achieved their largest lead of 20 points in the second half. Notably, the Vikings led briefly in the first half by six points and outpaced the Mounties in fast-break points (14-4) and points off turnovers (17-6).
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Jaidyn Simpson (Mt. SAC): Season-high 41 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 10-11 FT
- Marvel Chambers (Mt. SAC): 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block
- Kenneth Brown (Mt. SAC): 8 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks
- Immanuel Taylor (Mt. SAC): 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
- Kason White (Long Beach): Team-high 20 points, 6 rebounds
- Major Hurley (Long Beach): 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block
- Lawrence Brown (Long Beach): 18 points, 8 assists, 2 steals
- Kane Young (Long Beach): 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
TEAM STATS:
- Shooting: Mt. SAC – 47.1% (32-68); Long Beach – 51.6% (32-62)
- Three-Point Shooting: Mt. SAC – 47.8% (11-23); Long Beach – 33.3% (4-12)
- Free Throw Shooting: Mt. SAC – 77.4% (24-31); Long Beach – 66.7% (20-30)
- Rebounds: Mt. SAC – 42; Long Beach – 29
- Turnovers: Mt. SAC – 12; Long Beach – 9
UP NEXT:
The Mounties hit the road to face the Rio Hondo Roadrunners (1-17) in Whittier on Wednesday, January 22, at 7:00 PM.
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.
Click here to read the CCCMBCA article about the latest basketball rankings.