By John M. Sherrard

(Walnut) The Mt. SAC Men's basketball team, behind 19 points from freshman guard Josh Johnson, advanced to the Annual Mountie Classic championship game with a 72-58 win over Merritt College Saturday night.

With a big first-half surge in which the Mounties (8-4) built up a 14-point lead, 41-27, they maintained that lead with an even second half with the Thunderbirds to secure the 14-point victory.

The title-game appearance marks the second time this season for the Mounties.

Mt. SAC, which also went to the championship game at the San Francisco City College tourney, doubled up on Merritt in rebounds with 51. Johnson grabbed 11 (6 off., 5 def.) and freshman forward Nikita Ussenov had ten boards (7 off., 3 def.) to lead the Mounties.

Adding nine and eight points respectively were Charlie Evans IV (2-2 FT, 3 RB, steal) and Nick Brown (4-6 FG, 8RB, steal), along with Isaiah Watson (5 RB) and Damarcus Carter (3-5 FG, 4 RB) with six apiece.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.