Canyons Comes Up Big 82-72 Over Bakersfield

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

Dillon Barrientos and Andrew Henderson combined for 47 points, with 30 coming in the second half, to help College of the Canyons pick up a crucial 82-72 conference victory over visiting Bakersfield College at the Cougar Cage on Friday.

Barrientos led all scorers with 26 points, shooting 10-of-16 from the floor and converting on a pair of three-pointers. That nearly matched his previous season high of 27 vs. Santa Monica on Feb. 2. He also came away with four assists and four rebounds.

Henderson was an equally impressive 10-of-15 for 21 points to go with 14 rebounds and three blocks. 

The Cougars shot just under 52 percent for the game while committing only nine turnovers. COC moved the ball well throughout the night, leading to 19 assists from seven different players.

Jimmy Galgano added 10 points and three assists to the effort, while Corwin Smith contributed nine points off the bench. 

Bakersfield (14-11, 6-7) was led by Tyrell Coleman's 16 points and seven rebounds. Rahmel Davis was also a force for the Renegades with 11 points to go with 10 rebounds. 

Canyons (15-11, 7-7) concluded its regular season schedule on Friday, using the victory to move into third place in the Western State Conference (WSC), South Division standings. The Cougars trail conference champion West L.A. (23-3, 14-0) and Citrus (20-6, 11-2) currently leaving COC on the playoff bubble.

The Cougars last competed in the CCCAA SoCal Regional Playoffs during the 2017-18 season

The 15 wins by Canyons in 2021-22 is the most by the program since the 2014-15 season and brings head coach Howard Fisher's career win total at the college to 298.

Playoff seedings are expected to be announced the week of Feb. 28.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. 

—Photo by Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information