Panthers Extend Winning Streak to Three, Prepare to Face Wolverines

The Chaffey men's basketball team (9-3) will put its three-game winning streak on the line when it battles conference opponent San Bernardino Valley College (10-3) on Saturday, December 21 at Chaffey College. 

WIN STREAK
81-73 vs. Riverside City College
127-91 vs. Imperial Valley College 
104-99 vs. Mt. San Jacinto College

Despite feeling under the weather, the Panthers' leading scorer Uriyah Rojas still managed to lead the team against Mt. San Jacinto College on Wednesday with 27 points, his second-highest output of the season (season-high 28 points against Cerritos College on November 2nd, 2024).

Mourad Toure was once again electrifying, hitting clutch shots during key moments of the game. Whenever the Eagles seemed to gain momentum, Toure would answer with a long-range three-pointer, stopping their run. Toure finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and an impressive 5-of-8 from the three-point line.

Nate Simon also had a fantastic game on both ends of the floor. His defensive pressure throughout the game caused havoc, contributing to the Eagles' 12 turnovers. The Panthers capitalized on these turnovers, scoring 24 points off of them. Simon finished the game with 13 points, 4 assists, a steal, and 2 rebounds.

Jace Conway also contributed with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and a block. Jermaine Rogers provided a spark off the bench, adding 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Despite their slow 3-9 start, Mt. San Jacinto played the Panthers tough. With their solid defensive play and high percentage shooting kept the game close.  The Eagles shot 63.8% from the field, scored 38 points in the paint, and at one point held a six-point lead. The high-flying James Freeman IV led the Eagles with 17 points.

Of all the incredible plays this game featured, the closely battled contest ultimately came down to key free throws. In the final minute of play, the Eagles missed 3 out of 4 crucial 'one-and-one' free throws, which could have cut Chaffey's lead to just two points. The Eagles finished 14-23 from the free-throw line, compared to the Panthers' 20-24.

San Bernardino Valley College (10-3) travels to Chaffey College on Saturday, riding a four-game winning streak after defeating Victor Valley College 109-82. The Wolverines are led by freshman sensation Darius Carr, a 6'4" guard from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, CA. Carr averages 23.2 points per game and has an impressive shooting percentage above 45% both from the field and beyond the three-point arc.