(Walnut, CA) With a complete team effort and a game-high 21 points from sophomore guard Cyree Dunnell, the Mt. SAC Men's Basketball Team snapped a three-game losing streak, defeating cross town and conference divisional rival Pasadena City College (PCC), 66-48, on Friday (2/1).
The Mounties improved to 9-12 overall and 1-3 in South Coast Conference North Division Play.
After a close first half and a one-point, 24-23 lead, the Mounties nearly doubled up on the Lancers with a big second half.
With 10:59 remaining int the game, Mt. SAC built up a 13-point, 43-30 lead, led by a 3-pointer by guard Joseph Gonzalez and a pair of free throws by Akinola Branco. With 4:54 remaining, the Lancers closed the gap to six points (45-39), but that was the closest PCC would get.
Behind a 10-point surge led by another 3-pointer by Gonzales and seven points by Donnell, the Mounties stretched their lead to 17 points.
Mt. SAC outscored PCC, 42-25, as Dunnell (6 for 11 FGM, 1-3 3PM, 8-10 FTM5 RB, 5 Assists., 1 Stl) scored 17 of his 21 points after the break, most of which came in the paint.
"It was so important to get the W (Win)," Dunnell said. "We've been going through a little struggle, but we have to pick it up if we want to get in the playoffs.
"I just have to keep it going for my teammates and it feels great."
Also scoring in double figures for the Mounties was freshman guard Gabe Ontiveros (7-7 FTM, 3 Assts., 1 Stl.) with 10 points, while Gonzalez (3-5 FGM, 3-5 3PM, 3 RB, 1 Asst., 1 Stl., 1 Blk) and Branco (5 RB, 1 Stl.) each had nine points.
"It was a good win because we needed to win," Mt. SAC Head Coach Clark Maloney said. "We needed for some guys to step up and I'm happy for Cyree. He has been wanting to play well and (Friday) he had a chance to step up and he did well.
"We needed a home win against a quality team."
Daniel DeJoya (2-3 FGM, 1-1 3PM, 3-4 FTM, 5 RB, 1 Asst., 3 Stls.) and Israel Mansker (3-4 FTM, 10 RB, 6 Blks.) and added eight and seven points, respectively.
Shallamar Poole didn't score but grabbed 10 (1 Off., 9 Def.) rebounds in the game.
As a team, the Mounties outrebounded the Lancers, 45-37 and connected for 21 of 27 free throws (77.8%).
The Mounties continue with SCC North action Wednesday (2/6) as they host the Rio Hondo Roadrunners. Game time is 5:00 pm.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.