SMCC Men's Hoops Continues Non-Conference Slate in Nevada

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's basketball team (2-3) lost a pair of close games in Nevada as part of the 2021 CSN Basketball Invitational hosted by the College of Southern Nevada. The Cougars fell 60-55 to Western Wyoming CC on Nov. 6 and 65-62 to College of Southern Nevada on Nov. 6.

Western Wyoming CC Recap

Sophomore Demonte Demore led the Cougars with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but SMCC lost by five in its tournament opener. The Cougars shot 41.2 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from the 3-point line. They also knocked down 11 free throws and had 41 rebounds, 14 assists, five steals and five blocks.

Demore finished 6-for-11 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Freshman Darien Allen finished with nine points, seven rebounds and three steals in 32 minutes, while sophomore Elijah Melendez had eight points, four rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes.

Sophomore Angel Villa came off the bench to lead the team with four assists in 14 minutes. Fellow sophomore Jalen Gant had six points and four rebounds in 18 minutes before fouling out.

College of Southern Nevada Recap

At halftime, the Cougars held a 32-28 advantage, but the host Coyotes rallied for a three-point victory. SMCC shot 32.2 percent from the field, 28 percent from the 3-point line and 77.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Cougars added 45 rebounds, 10 assists, six steals and four blocks in the loss.

Melendez came off the bench to lead SMCC with 18 points. He was 5-of-12 from the field, knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and finished a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. He also had six rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Allen posted 15 points in 28 minutes, finishing 5-of-9 from the field with one 3-pointer and four free throws. Sophomore Fahad Tarjali had six points and three rebounds, while sophomore Cam Gwyn connected on a pair of 3-pointers.

Villa led the Cougars with nine rebounds and added three points and two assists, and Demore had eight points, four points, two assists, a steal and a block.