SMCC Men's Basketball Downs Southern Nevada in Season Opener

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's basketball team (1-0) defeated Southern Nevada 73-66 in a non-conference contest at the SMCC Gym on Nov. 4. Sophomore Jaylen Wesley led the Cougars with a career-high 32 points and 17 rebounds, and freshman Bobby Holcomb added 22 points and six rebounds as SMCC topped the Coyotes. 

SMCC held a 32-29 lead at halftime and claimed the second half 41-37. The second half saw SMCC make 23-of-29 (79.3 percent) from the free throw line to hold on for the victory.  

The Cougars shot 41.5 percent (22-of-53) from the field and 80.6 percent (25-of-31) from the free throw line. They added 10 assists, 12 steals and three blocked shots in the victory. 

Wesley was 11-of-21 from the field and 4-of-5 from downtown in 32 minutes. He made all six free throws, and 13 of his 17 boards came on the defensive glass. He also recorded three steals and three blocks. 

Holcomb was 4-of-10 from the field and 14-of-15 from the charity stripe. He added six defensive boards, two assists, and three steals in 36 minutes. 

Freshman Parker Escalante posted nine points, two rebounds, three assists and four steals in 30 minutes, while freshman Jayven Driscoll finished second on the team with seven rebounds to go with two points.