After escaping a close and hard fought 79-73 battle against Imperial Valley College on Wednesday, the Mesa men's basketball team hosted Cuyamaca College, and with solid defense, overpowered the Coyotes 72-52. 

"It was all about the defense against Cuyamaca," states head coach Travis Nichols. "I was extremely pleased with how hard they played. From the first whistle, till the buzzer, the intensity is what we expect every single game. It definitely set the tone for this game."

The Olympians defense were able to force 13 steals and 3 blocks. The coaching staff has preached from the beginning that defense will need to step up due to the lack of size in the middle. 

Led by Daron Taylor, who finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Javen Woodall contributed with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists. Zephaniah Smith impressed the coaching staff by playing locked down defense against Cuyamaca's top player. Smith finished with 4 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal. 

The team has four remaining games, the next one on Wednesday, February 8 against MiraCosta College. The ability to shit open shots has improved, but needs to better. With primarily a small line-up, second chance points don't come often.