Scottsdale CC Edges SMCC Men's Basketball on Buzzer Beater

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's basketball team (3-3, 0-3 ACCAC) lost 69-66 to Scottsdale CC in an ACCAC contest at the SMCC Gym on Dec. 13. Sophomore Jaylen Wesley scored 22 points, freshman Deven Johnson posted 17, and freshman Parker Escalante had 14. Still, the Artichokes' Thomas Hastings hit a 3-pointer as time expired to secure the road win for SCC.  

SMCC led 35-18 at the half, holding SCC to 28.6 percent (8 of 28) shooting from the floor. The second half saw the Artichokes reverse their fortunes as they shot 62.1 percent (18 of 29) from the floor to finish with 51 points. The Cougars finished at 44 percent (22 of 50) from the field and 75 percent (21 of 28) from the free-throw line. They added 31 rebounds, eight assists, 12 steals and two blocked shots. 

Wesley was 7 of 22 from the field and 8 for 8 at the charity stripe in 39 minutes. He added five rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block. 

Johnson was an efficient 5 of 6 from the floor and made 7 of 10 from the free-throw line to post a season-high 17 points. He added four rebounds, two assists, and four steals in defeat. 

Escalante went 5 of 8 from the floor and made SMCC's only 3-pointer. He also recorded two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 32 minutes. 

Sophomore Colton Thomas came off the bench to record nine points and five rebounds in 23 minutes. Freshman Jayven Driscoll tied for the team lead with five rebounds and freshman Deavon Felix had four off the bench.