No. 8 Men’s Basketball Dominates Orange Coast for Fourth Conference Win

No. 8 Men’s Basketball Dominates Orange Coast for Fourth Conference Win
January 10, 2025

After a tough road loss to Irvine Valley, the No. 8 Santiago Canyon College men's basketball team bounced back in impressive fashion, defeating last-place Orange Coast College 96-72. The Hawks had four players score in double figures, leading to a decisive victory.

The game was close early on, but the Hawks broke away in the second half by forcing turnovers and lighting up the three-point line. They finished the game shooting 41% from beyond the arc, contributing to an overall shooting percentage of 46.2%.

Despite committing six more turnovers than the Pirates, the Hawks controlled nearly every statistical category. They outrebounded OCC 57-32 and capitalized on the Pirates' 13 turnovers, turning them into 19 points.

Freshman EJ Bryson led the way offensively with a game-high 19 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals—also a game high. Bryson, who averages 16.6 points per game, posted his fourth consecutive double-digit performance and his seventh in the last nine games.

Sophomore Tony Colley was a force on both ends of the court, recording a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. He also contributed five assists, two steals, and one block. Freshman Colin Weems was sharp from long range, scoring 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

The bench contributed significantly, scoring 31 points, with freshman Salim Semaan leading the charge. Semaan posted a career-high 16 points, including two three-pointers.

In total, all but two players who saw the floor scored at least one basket. Sophomore Marley Jaisel knocked down a three-pointer, while freshmen Aiden Stewart and Cian Adriano each added a field goal.