SMCC Men's Basketball Falls to Eastern Arizona

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's basketball team (5-9, 0-6 ACCAC) lost 86-63 to Eastern Arizona in an ACCAC game in Thatcher, Ariz., on Saturday, Jan. 6. Sophomore Jaylen Wesley recorded his eighth double-double of the season with a team-best 25 points and 15 rebounds, and sophomore Nyzhir Brown posted a season-high 15 points but the Gila Monsters used a big second half to seal the win. 

SMCC led 42-41 at halftime but Eastern Arizona rallied for a 45-21 second-half victory. The Cougars finished at 36.7 percent (22 of 60) from the field and 88.2 percent (15 of 17) from the free throw line. They added 26 rebounds, seven assists, seven steals, and three blocks. 

Wesley was 10 of 17 from the floor and 4 of 5 from the charity stripe. Twelve of his 15 rebounds were defensive boards, and he added four assists, two blocks, and one steal in 38 minutes. He is averaging 28.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 14 games this season. 

Brown was 5 of 12 from the field and made three 3-pointers in 24 minutes. He added a rebound and a steal, and is averaging 8.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 14 contests. 

Freshman Parker Escalante posted 11 points, four rebounds, four steals, and one assist in 29 minutes, and freshman Jayven Driscoll had four points, two rebounds, and a steal in 22 minutes.