SMCC Men's Basketball Powers Past Benedictine-Mesa (JV) in Home Opener

PHOENIX ---

Six Cougars finished in double-figures as the South Mountain Community College men's basketball team (4-1) rolled to a 116-35 victory over Benedictine-Mesa (JV) in a non-conference game on Nov. 10 at the SMCC Gym. SMCC knocked down 18 3-pointers in the victory and limited the Redhawks to nine points in the second half. 

SMCC led 56-26 at halftime after shooting 52.4 percent (22 of 42) from the field and 40 percent (8 of 20) from 3-point range. In the second half, the Cougars shot 60 percent (24 of 40) overall and 55.6 percent (10 of 18) from 3-point range while limiting the Redhawks to 11.1 percent (3 of 27) shooting in the frame.

The Cougars finished the night with 47 rebounds, 30 assists, 19 steals, and just five turnovers. SMCC converted 29 Benedictine-Mesa turnovers into 45 points, held a 52-16 advantage in points in the paint, and recorded 29 fast-break points in the win. 

"I thought we played well for 20 minutes of the game. When we are locked in defensively and share the basketball on offense, we are a fun team to watch play," said SMCC head coach Cory Hoff. "Our guys came out with a renewed energy in the second half, and it showed by only giving up nine points defensively. To see 30 assists on 46 made baskets is an excellent stat. It feels good to get back in the win column, but we have a big showdown at home with Southern Nevada on Saturday afternoon. We look forward to seeing the Cougar Den packed for that one!"

Freshman Travis Vasquez led SMCC with 23 points on 9 of 14 shooting with five 3-pointers in 33 minutes. He also dished out a team-high seven assists and added two steals and a block. 

Freshman I'yar Shadowvine and sophomore Blake Carabio each posted 21 points. Shadowvine was 9 of 19 from the floor with three 3-pointers in 26 minutes, adding three assists, three steals, and two rebounds. Carabio was 8 of 16 from the floor with four 3-pointers in 28 minutes. He also recorded six rebounds, six assists, and six steals. 

Freshman Jadden Jones led SMCC with nine rebounds and added 11 points, three assists, and two steals in 24 minutes. Freshman Semajay James came off the bench to post 13 points on 6 of 7 shooting in 13 minutes, and he added four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. 

Sophomore Brandon Mangahas was the sixth Cougar in double-figures, scoring 10 points on 4 of 8 shooting with two 3-pointers off the bench. He added five rebounds, five assists, and a steal in 27 minutes. 

Sophomore Gak Kueth finished with six points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 20 minutes. Freshman Dylan Eaddy knocked down a pair of 3-pointers, and freshman Eric Butler added three points and five rebounds.