Cougars Run Win Streak to Three Games with Victory Over Pirates

The College of the Canyons men's basketball team defeated Ventura College 70-58 on Thursday, to extend its win streak to three games.

Canyons (8-10) entered the contest vs. Ventura (9-9) coming off back-to-back wins, and a tourney championship, at the 27th Annual Cougar Holiday Classic, held Dec. 28-29.

Against the Pirates, COC was able to take a slim two-point advantage into halftime before building a comfortable lead in the second half. Ventura shot a combined 33.3 percent from the field in the second period, compared to a 66.7 percent mark from the Cougars.

Canyons also narrowly won the rebounding battle 35-33. The deciding factor, however, was COC's foul shots, as the Cougars converted on 21-of-32 attempts. By comparison, Ventura was 11-of-15 on the night. 

COC was led by sophomore guard Alex Sanchez who registered a game-high 19 points, while also leading both teams with eight rebounds. Sanchez was 5–of-10 from the floor and converted on 8-of-10 from the foul line. He is now averaging 10.6 points and 3.8 rebounds a game through the first 18 contests of the season. 

Freshman guard Michael Kalu added 17 points, three rebounds and an assist in the winning effort and freshman Jason Horosny tallied 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench. 

COC sophomore Garrett Mike finished with seven points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in helping the Cougars stay in the win column. 

Jacob Lilley led the way with five assists to go with seven points.

Canyons will next travel to face El Camino College at 5 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 11, followed by a Friday affair at L.A. Harbor College at 5 p.m. Friday.

The Cougars will return home for the Western State Conference opener vs. L.A. Pierce College on Saturday, Jan. 21.