Cougars Fall Short in 84-80 Loss to Antelope Valley

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director 

College of the Canyons finished just short of a third straight victory in falling 84-80 to Antelope Valley College on Monday, as the Cougars battled throughout the contest but were unable to convert on their final possession. 

Canyons (5-11, 1-1) entered Monday's contest vs. Antelope Valley (9-7, 1-1), which had been rescheduled from Jan. 8 due to wildfires in the area, on a two-game win streak. 

The Cougars saw three starters finish in double figures but were led by Justin Perez who came off the bench with 17 points and eight rebounds.

COC starter Gilad Ziegel scored 16 points, including 10 in the second half, on a 7-of-12 shooting performance that also featured nine rebounds and three assists. 

Donovan Chapman was next with 14 points, six assists and a game-high 12 rebounds for the Cougars, while Wyatt Wilson added 10 points of his own. 

Canyons trailed 40-38 at the break and saw that trend continue in the second half with AVC again finding a two-point edge in the period. 

COC was able to take a brief 77-76 lead on Ziegel's jumper with 5:07 left in the game. Later, the freshman brought the Cougars to within a bucket at 82-80 with :42 seconds to go.

Antelope Valley then turned the ball over to give Canyons a final possession. Despite firing off a pair of attempts neither shot fell. The Marauders then converted on a pair of free throws for the 84-80 final score. 

AVC was led by Malik Larane's 20 points. Tony Corley also added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Marauders  in the victory. Antelope Valley was also aided by the Cougars' 18 turnovers in the game. 

The Cougars have now suffered four losses this season by five or fewer points.

Canyons will continue its Western State Conference (WSC), South Division schedule at Citrus College on Wednesday, Jan. 15. That game is scheduled to tip at 7 p.m. 

COC returns home to Lee Smelser Court on Saturday, Jan. 18, vs. L.A. Valley College in a 5 p.m. start time, with that game scheduled to be broadcast live to fans on the Cougars Sports Network.

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 X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.   

—Photo by Carla Sophia Velasco/COC Sports Information