SMCC Hoops Knocks Off Chandler-Gilbert CC

SMCC Hoops Knocks Off Chandler-Gilbert CC

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's basketball team (14-16, 8-12 ACCAC) defeated Chandler-Gilbert CC 62-61 in an Arizona Community College Athletic Conference home contest on Feb. 22. The Cougars held off a Coyote rally as sophomore Elijah Melendez led three Cougars in double-figures with a team-high 18 points.

SMCC held a 28-25 lead at halftime, but lost the second half 36-34. CGCC had a chance to win it, but the Cougar defense held strong in the final minute. SMCC shot 47.1 percent from the field and knocked down six 3-pointers. The Cougars grabbed 42 rebounds, dished out 15 assists and had nine steals. 

Melendez finished 7-of-14 from the field and connected on 3-of-6 from the 3-point line. He added three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 34 minutes. 

Demonte Demore scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds in 26 minutes, and Darien Allen posted 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds. 

Jalen Smith recorded a season-high seven assists and also had six points and six rebounds. Jalen Gant also had six rebounds and added two points. 

Davion Stringer scored five points off the bench, and Shawn Black added four points and four boards in 12 minutes.