Second-Half Surge Sends SMCC Men's Hoops Past the GCU Club Team

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's basketball team (3-0) defeated the GCU Club Team 91-68 in a non-conference contest at the SMCC Gym on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Sophomore Jaylen Wesley led SMCC with 29 points and 11 rebounds and Bobby Holcomb, Parker Escalante and Nyzhir Brown all finished in double-figures as the Cougars overcame a three-point halftime deficit. 

SMCC trailed 38-35 after 20 minutes as the Antelopes shot 50 percent (15 of 30) from the field. However, in the second half, SMCC shot 53.8 percent (14 of 26) from the field as the Cougars posted a 56-30 advantage. For the game, the Cougars finished at 45.5 percent (25 of 55) from the field, 46.7 percent (7 of 15) from 3-point range, and 87.2 percent (34 of 39) from the free throw line. SMCC added 41 rebounds, 13 assists, nine steals, and two blocks in the victory. 

Wesley finished an efficient 9 of 12 from the field and 10 of 11 from the free throw line in 33 minutes. He added four assists, four steals and a block. 

Holcomb was second on the team with 19 points, knocking down three 3-pointers and finishing a perfect 6 of 6 from the charity stripe. He added four rebounds, two steals and an assist in 34 minutes. 

Escalante posted 17 points and made 11 of 12 attempts from the free-throw line. He also had three offensive rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes. Brown knocked down two 3-pointers and finished with 11 points. He added two rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes. 

Freshman Keyvone Craig came off the bench to record five points, five rebounds, two steals and an assist in 19 minutes, and freshman Jayven Driscoll posted four points and six rebounds.