SMCC Men's Basketball Posts 84-59 Victory over Phoenix College

Five Cougars scored in double-figures as the South Mountain Community College men's basketball team defeated Phoenix College 84-59 in an ACCAC Division II contest on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the SMCC Gym. Freshman guard Travis Vasquez led SMCC with 19 points as the Cougars swept the three-game season series with the Bears.

 

The teams traded baskets early, but PC eventually built a six-point lead with just under 9 minutes left in the half. SMCC fought back, and Vasquez tied the contest at 29-29 with 4:48 to play. From there, the Cougars went on a 10-2 run to close the half, fueled by four points from freshman forward Devone Pless and 3-pointers from Vasquez and freshman guard I'yar Shadowvine.

 

Shadowvine canned two more 3-pointers to start the second half to put SMCC ahead by a dozen (45-33). Vasquez made it a 15-point lead with a 3-pointer, and the Cougars led 53-35 after a pair of free throws from sophomore guard Blake Carabio with 13:12 left to play. The lead would eventually get to as many as 29 before the Bears got some late baskets.

 

"It took us a while to get going defensively, but we are pleased with holding a team under 38 percent from the floor. It was good to see us get going offensively, too. Anytime you have five guys in double figures, that's a recipe for success," said SMCC head coach Cory Hoff. "We had good balance and played unselfishly for the most part. It's always tough to control your emotions in a heated rivalry game, but I am proud of the composure our players showed. I was concerned with our guys looking ahead, but I am proud of them handling their business. We have to keep moving forward and building momentum towards the playoffs. We have a top-five team coming to the Cougar Den on Wednesday, and we look forward to seeing the stands full." 

 

The Cougars totaled 39 rebounds, 19 assists, and 12 steals in the win. SMCC shot an even 50 percent (29 of 58) from the field and 54.5 percent (12 of 22) from 3-point range. The Cougars got 28 points from their bench and scored 20 points off 17 Bear turnovers.   

 

Vasquez was 7 of 10 from the field and knocked down five 3-pointers in 31 minutes. He added five rebounds and four assists, and is averaging 12.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season.

 

Pless was second on the team with 15 points, making 6 of 13 field goals in 23 minutes. He also had four assists and added three rebounds and a steal. Pless is averaging 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists this season.

 

Sophomore guard Parker Escalante came off the bench to post 14 points in 23 minutes. He led SMCC with five assists and added two steals. Escalante is averaging 10.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this season.  

 

Shadowvine was 5 of 8 overall with three 3-pointers to post 13 points in 28 minutes. He added three steals and two rebounds, and he is averaging 12.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season.

 

Carabio scored 11 points off the bench in 17 minutes. He knocked down three 3-pointers and added two rebounds and an assist. Carabio is averaging 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.

 

Freshman forward Jadden Jones posted nine points and led SMCC with eight rebounds in 26 minutes. He recorded two assists and two steals, and is averaging 5.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

 

Freshman forward Gak Kueth had five rebounds and three steals, and freshman forward Semajay James had six rebounds, one assist, and one steal.