(Riverside, CA) After losing four out of the last five games, the Mt. SAC Men's Basketball team rebounded in a big way with a 78-69 non-conference win against eighth-ranked Riverside City College, Saturday (December 17).
With the win, Mt. SAC evened its non-conference record to 6-6.
"The win versus RCC was a tough-fought game," Mt. SAC Men's Basketball coach Michael Fenison said. "Each team battled and made some plays. However, I'm very proud of the team working hard over the past couple of weeks to improve.
"This game showed the process is working, but we are still working hard to improve. Nick Hopkins played big for us. His dominant performance is what allowed us to win. A double-double, 21 pts and 10 rebounds, what a great job. Jalen also was solid for us and hopefully, his shooting will be more consistent. It was truly a team victory.
Riverside had a small lead for most of the first half.
A late surge by the Mounties to close out the opening half, gave Mt. SAC a five-point, 38-33 lead at the break.
The Mounties never trailed the remainder of the way, as they built up a double-digit lead midway through the second half, with as much as a 16-point, 76-60-point lead late in the game.
Mt. SAC had three of its five starters in double figures, with sophomore guard Jay Milner (6-13 FGM-A, 2-5 3PM-A, 8-9 FTM-A, 5 RB, 3 A) leading the way with a game-high 22 points.
Freshman guard Nick Hopkins (7-8 FGM-A, 6-7 FTM-A, 10 RB), who leads the team with a 16.2 ppg average, had 21 points, along with 12 points from freshman guard Dante Victor (5-7 FGM-A, 2-3 3PM-A, 2 RB, 1 A, 1 Stl.).
Mikah Gardner and Micah Myricks added nine and seven points, respectively for the Mounties.
The Mounties continue non-conference action on Wednesday (December 21), with one of their last games in the old gymnasium, as they will host Compton.
The new arena and pool complex are due to be open in late January 2023.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.