SMCC Men's Basketball Falls to Chandler-Gilbert CC

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's basketball team (3-2, 0-2 ACCAC) lost 79-61 to Chandler-Gilbert CC in an ACCAC contest at the SMCC Gym on Dec. 9. Sophomore guard Jaylen Wesley led the Cougars with 25 points while freshman Bobby Holcomb added 11 and sophomore Nyzhir Brown posted 10. Still, the Coyotes used some sharp shooting to spoil SMCC's conference home opener. 

At halftime, SMCC trailed 42-20 as CGCC shot 68 percent from the field. The Coyotes cooled off to 40.5 percent in the second half but still pulled out a 37-32 advantage. SMCC shot 37.1 percent (23 of 62) from the field and 33.3 percent (10 of 30) from 3-point range. The Cougars added 27 rebounds, 11 assists, four blocks and 11 steals in the loss. 

Wesley was 10 of 23 from the floor and made two 3-pointers in 35 minutes. He grabbed eight rebounds, dished out two assists, blocked two shots, and recorded four steals in the loss. He is averaging 30.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game through five contests this season. 

Holcomb knocked down three 3-pointers and had two rebounds in 26 minutes. He is averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in four contests this season. 

Brown also connected on three 3-pointers and added three rebounds in 30 minutes. He is averaging 10.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in five games this season. 

Freshman Parker Escalante dished out a season-high six assists and added eight points and two steals in 32 minutes. Sophomore Colton Thomas came off the bench to score seven points and record a pair of steals.