Santa Monica, CA
January 26, 2019
The Santa Monica College Men's Basketball team protected home court in their conference opener by ending West LA's seven-game win streak with a 89-74 victory over the Oilers. The Corsairs held West LA to 28.9% from the field and forced 17 turnovers. Conversely, the Santa Monica shot 50.8% from the field and manufactured 28 points off of West LA's turnovers.
Freshman shooting guard, Eli Degrate ignited the Corsairs with 10 first half points and four rebounds. Santa Monica led 51-39 at the half and outrebounded their opponent 23 to 16.
"Our team came out with plenty of intensity and focus in this game. They were up for West LA as they are our rival," said Head Coach Joshua Thomas. "Eli really brought some amazing energy to begin the game and our group fed off of that."
In the second half, Santa Monica extended their lead to 20 points after a three-pointer by point guard Teddy Parham that opened the game up to a 67-47 lead with 11:47 left in the second half. West LA narrowed the deficit to eight points with 3:57 left in the game, but Corsairs closed the game with a 14-6 run.
"Our assistant coaches did a great job of preparing for West LA. Coach Justin Maidenberg put together a game plan that our players followed, and he deserves much credit for the team's preparation," said Coach Thomas. "The players deserve credit for executing the game plan and making plays. It was a great team effort!"
Degrate finished with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Parham controlled the pace with 16 points, five assists and three rebounds. Sophomore power forward Marcus Harris contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, while freshman shooting guard Daisone Hughes and sophomore power forward Lucas Zemen scored 13 points and 10 points respectively off of the bench.
Sophomore small forward Jordan Wilson added eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists, and center Kyle Young, a sophomore, scored six points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked four shots.
Santa Monica (13-8, 1-0) will travel to College of the Canyons on Wednesday, January 30th to play at 5:00 p.m. in their second Western State Conference - South league game.
West LA (15-7, 1-1) will host Bakersfield College on Wednesday, January 30th at 5:00 p.m.