Walnut, Calif. – In their final home game of the regular season, the Mt. SAC Men's Basketball Team controlled the pace from start to finish, earning a 97-70 victory over LA Trade Tech on Wednesday, February 18. With this victory, the Mounties improve to 23-4 overall and 8-1 in South Coast Conference North play, while the Beavers fall to 13-14 overall and 5-4 in conference action.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The night's top scorer, Dayvon Gates, got the game going for the Mounties with a layup and a three-pointer. LA Trade Tech answered with buckets from Will Smith III and Franklyn Chambers to keep things tight early on.

Less than seven minutes into the game, Mt. SAC created separation. A layup and free throw from Gates pushed the lead into double digits — and the Mounties never looked back.

By the end of the first half, the Mounties were up 44-25 with Gates pouring in 14 first half points, orchestrating the offense with four assists and logging two steals. The Mounties dominated the glass, outrebounding the Beavers 26-14 in the first half, with Wheeler grabbing five boards.

Out of Tech's 25 first-half points, Chambers, Kemaree Germany and Rod Scutter contributed five points each to try and keep the Beavers in the game.

Mt. SAC's control only intensified in the second half. Gates poured in 17 more points, including a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line, while adding six assists to cap a stellar all-around performance.

Alejandro Munoz contributed 10 second-half points, while Zion Booker added nine and made his presence felt on the boards with six rebounds after halftime. Osami Maciel knocked down two three-pointers and added five rebounds to anchor the defensive effort.

LA Trade Tech found more offensive rhythm in the second half, scoring 45 points behind 19 from Smith, 11 from Chambers, and eight from Johqa Webb. However, the Mounties' dominant first half cushion kept the Beavers at bay throughout the final 20 minutes.

KEY PLAYERS:

• Dayvon Gates: Game-high 31 points, 10 assists, 4 steals, 1 block
• Zion Booker: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
• Alejandro Munoz: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block
• Will Smith III (Tech): Team-high 23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block
• Franklyn Chambers (Tech): 16 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists

NEXT UP:

The Mounties will travel to face Los Angeles City College in their regular-season finale on Friday, February 20 at 5:00 PM.Postseason play begins Wednesday, February 25 — and the Mounties are building momentum at the right time.

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.