Panthers Defeat Wolverines 90-87, Continue Winning Streak

After a thrilling 104-99 victory against conference opponent Mt. San Jacinto College, the Panther's men's basketball team improve their conference record 2-0, after a solid 90-87 victory against the San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines.

The Inland Empire Athletic Conference, known as one of the toughest basketball conferences in the state, it is important to win these early games against common opponents. Last season, four teams in the conference had twenty or more wins, and the conference title was only determined by three games or less amongst four teams.

2022-2023 Year-End Record
Chaffey College 15-1
Mt. San Jacinto College 13-3
Cerro Coso College 12-4 
San Bernardino Valley College 12-4 

Against the Wolverines, a game that featured nine ties and 3 lead changes, it came down to the timely rebounding by the Panthers, and simply, amazing team play. Uriyah Rojas once again led the team with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and was 4 of 8 from the three-point line. Jermaine Rogers once again, coming off the bench provided a spark, dropping 20 points, 7 rebounds, an assist, and 1 steal. Nate Simon was tremendous in controlling the offense, the Wolverines defense pressed almost the entire game, but the Panthers guard play was solid, staying calm and bringing the ball down the court. Simon finished with 13 points, 7 assist, 3 rebounds, and was clutch hitting 3 of 6 three pointers.  

This was a hard fought, and at times chippy game, with neither side wanting to give ground. Both teams, extremely athletic, featured players that can create their own shots, and also had aggressive players that attacked the basket. In the end, Coach Klein placed the players in the perfect position to win. His use of timeouts allowed the players to reset, and also reminded the players of what needed to happen. 

With a little more than one-minute to play in regulation, and the Panthers holding a 86-79 lead, the Wolverines were able to connect on two back to back three-pointers, bringing the score to 86-85. After a Rojas misssed jump shot, which he would then recover a loose scramble for the ball, coach Klein calls a full time-out. Coming out of the timeout, Klein draws up a beautiful inbound play. Nate Simon would inbound the ball to a flashing Ryan Lewis, who then gave the ball back to Simon for a beautiful give and go inbound play, resulting in a Simon layup for 2 points, to once again, bring the lead to three. 

The Wolverines would not surrender, they countered with an alleyoop dunk by Jason Hlliard to cut the lead by 1, 88-87.  Klein would once again call a timeout and bring Mourad Toure back into the game. After a turnover by the Panthers in the inbound play, Toure, was in the perfect place at the right time, stealing the ball back, and was then fouled. Toure would make two clutch free throws to seal the game for the Panthers 90-87. 

The Panthers are back in action today against Santa Barbara City College who carry with them a 6-9 overall record. The Vaqueros and Panthers faced each other last season, with the Panthers coming out with a 103-84 victory.