Defense Helps SBVC Tame Coyotes

Defense Helps SBVC Tame Coyotes

San Bernardino Valley College's men's basketball team got a reminder Saturday afternoon that you can't look too far ahead at this point in the season.

Cerro Coso College used a 17-6 run in the opening five minutes of the second half to erase a seven-point deficit and eventually open an eight-point lead on the Wolverines. But the SBVC defense picked up its pressure, forcing the Coyotes into turnovers and missed shots, allowing the Wolverines to roar from behind to remain undefeated in Inland Empire Athletic Conference play with a 82-63 victory.

SBVC forced 17 Cerro Coso turnovers - 11 in the second half - with Dominique Daniels ending the game with six steals. 

On the other end of the court, the Wolverines struggled to find their range, finishing the game shooting 49.2 percent from the field and only making 5-of-18 (27.8 percent) from beyond the arc.

But with the outside shots not falling, the Wolverines opted to drive to the basket, scoring 40 of their points in the paint. Daniels was slashing his way to the basket throughout the game, finishing with 34 points and eight assists to go with his six steals. Aamari Smith chipped with 14 points, while Sebastian Mendoza was strong underneath, finishing with 13 points and nine rebounds. Armon Muldrew finished with 13 points as well.

Jordan Howard led the Coyotes with 19 points.

SBVC closes out the home portion of its regular season schedule on Wednesday evening against Victor Valley. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.