Canyons Falls 91-83 to Corsairs in Western State Conference Opener

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The College of the Canyons men's basketball team lost its Western State Conference opener against 91-83 to Santa Monica College on Wednesday, dropping COC's record to 5-8 on the season.

Four Cougars scored in double figures in the loss led by sophomore Victor Nwaba's 22 points.

Nwaba shot 4-of-13 from the field, but hit on 13-of-14 free throws. He also collected five rebounds, four steals and dished out two assists in 29 minutes of action. 

As a team, the Cougars shot a combined 40.7 percent for the game.

Defensively, COC couldn't contain Santa Monica's hot shooting, as the Corsairs finished the night with a 50.9 percent mark from the field, including 12 three-pointers

COC guard Alex Sanchez added 16 points while hitting 5-of-8 shots from the field and grabbed eight boards, one assist and who two steals.

Tyler Hooks and James Chevious made the most of their minutes scoring in double figures off the bench. Hooks added 15 points leading COC's reserves while Chevious added 11 points in his 11 minutes of play.

Head coach Howard Fisher's team will play its next game on the road against Bakersfield College (12-3) at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9.