Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. – The Mt. SAC Men's Basketball Team secured another win when they defeated Chaffey College 82-59 at home on Friday, December 5. The victory pushes the Mounties to 7–2 on the season, while the Panthers drop to an even 5–5.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Mounties wasted no time in asserting their dominance, jumping to a 13–0 lead in the first four minutes behind jumpers from Jeremy Williams and Dayvon Gates, a three-pointer from Jaidyn Simpson, layups from Ryan Wheeler, and free throws from Zion Booker. All five starters contributed to the early surge, showcasing the depth and balance of the Mounties' lineup.

The Panthers got on the board with a three-point shot from Brian Smith and a layup from Gozie Ejike to narrow their deficit. Chaffey's bench came in stronger than the starters with Collin Ingram putting up nine points and Ejike putting up seven to power their offense.

Mt. SAC's starters remained steady, with Simpson and Gates each posting nine first-half points and Wheeler adding eight. Their combined effort sent the Mounties into halftime up 43–26.

The Panthers stepped it up in the second half, with key contributions from Avery Garcia and Deisyn Payne who each put up 10 points. Gates led Mt. SAC after the break with nine points, as the Mounties relied on balanced scoring and solid bench play. Chaffey managed 33 second-half points, but Mt. SAC answered with 39 to preserve the lead and seal the win.

The Mounties outperformed the Panthers across key statistical categories, including field goal percentage (45.9% to 35.4%), three-point percentage (33.3% to 14.3%), and free throw shooting (72.4% to 66.7%). Mt. SAC also dominated the boards 47–29 and committed fewer turnovers (14 to 21).

The teams were nearly even in points in the paint (Mt. SAC 34, Chaffey 32) and fast-break points (2 each). Mt. SAC held a slight edge in bench scoring, 30–28.

KEY PLAYERS:

• Dayvon Gates: Game-high 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals  
• Ryan Wheeler: 12 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks  
• Collin Ingram (Chaffey): Team-high 11 points, 2 steals

NEXT UP:

The Mounties will host LA Harbor (6-3) on Friday, December 12. Come on out to support the team!

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow Mt. SAC Men's Basketball on twitter @MtSAC_MBKB or Instagram /mt.sacbasketball/

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

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