Canyons Gets Close, But Can't Get Past L.A. Valley

The College of the Canyons men's basketball team dropped a close 64-61 game to host L.A. Valley College on Wednesday, in a contest that saw the return of sophomore forward Tikko Moore.

Canyons (5-20, 0-13) still working against a number of player injuries, gladly welcomed back Moore who hadn't seen action since the Cougars' Nov. 21 game vs. Santa Monica, at the annual Irvine Valley College Classic.

Moore logged 33 minutes in his return, scoring 12 points, pulling down six rebounds, and adding a block and a steal for good measure.

The Cougars trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half, but were able to chip away at the Monarch lead. 

Midway through the second half Canyons had surged ahead with a four-point lead.

The Monarchs would battle back to put COC down by a point with 1:30 on the clock. 

Back-to-back free throws by COC sophomore guard Jalen Ewell put the Cougars back ahead to start what would be an exciting final minute of action. 

Ewell led the team with 15 points and nine rebounds. He also had two blocks and a steal.

But with 16 ticks on the clock, and the Monarchs again leading by one, Canyons was unable to find the winning formula, eventually losing by a three-point margin. 

COC freshman Alex Sanchez was a major factor, chipping in with 14 points and converting on 4-of-7 from behind the arc. Sanchez also registered five rebounds and a team-high four assists.

Sophomore Victor Nwaba finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.

COC returns home on Saturday, Feb. 20, to conclude the season as the Cougars host No. 14 Antelope Valley College (22-6, 8-5) in the Cougar Cage. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.

The College of the Canyons men's basketball team will be honoring its sophomore players with a brief pre-game 'Sophomore Night Ceremony.'