Yavapai College Edges SMCC Men's Basketball, 73-70

PHOENIX ---

A back-and-forth affair ultimately tipped in favor of the home team as the South Mountain Community College men's basketball team lost 73-70 at Yavapai College in a non-conference game on Friday, Nov. 7. Tied at 36 at halftime, the Cougars and Roughriders exchanged leads in the second half before Yavapai pulled ahead late in the game. SMCC knocked down its free throws to stay in the game, but a 3-pointer at the buzzer was offline. 

Sophomore Blake Carabio continued his torrid start to the season as he finished with a game-high 24 points in 25 minutes off the bench. He was 7 of 13 from the field and knocked down four 3-pointers, adding two rebounds and a steal in the loss. 

Sophomore Parker Escalante was second on the squad with 15 points. He added six rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 29 minutes of work.

Freshman Travis Vasquez was the third Cougar in double-figures, finishing with 11 points on 5 of 12 shooting. He led SMCC with six assists and added six rebounds and a steal while playing all 40 minutes. 

Freshman Jadden Jones had six points, four rebounds, a steal, and an assist in 28 minutes before fouling out, and freshman I'yar Shadowvine added four points, two rebounds, and two assists. 

SMCC shot 43.8 percent (21 of 48) from the field and 36.4 percent (8 of 22) from 3-point range. The Cougars totaled 25 rebounds, 13 assists, and four steals. 

"Yavapai played harder than us. We did not defend at a high enough level to deserve to win that game," said SMCC head coach Cory Hoff. "It was a tough environment to play in, but I am proud of our guys for battling. They could have folded, but dug in and took the lead late. However, it is tough to beat talented teams when we miss nine free throws. This game can be a valuable learning experience if we learn what it takes to beat the best teams we play. I'm excited to see how our guys bounce back next week."