Copper Mountain College men’s basketball was back in action Wednesday night against a visiting Irvine Valley College team. At the end of regulation, the score was 77-77. Two clutch steals followed by lay ups on back to back possessions sealed the game in overtime for CMC 95-94. Copper Mountain improves to 15-5 on the season and 2-1 in the Orange Empire Conference.
The Fighting Cacti revamped their defense and started this game pressuring the ball all over the court. The first half was filled with steals, blocks, and a few monster slam dunks which allowed CMC to head into the locker room at the half with the 36-32 lead.
In the second half, the battle was on. Although Copper Mountain seemed to be the more dominant team, Irvine Valley didn’t go away. After hitting shot after shot, they forced the game into overtime. At the end of regulation, the score was 77-77. Tre’Von Bentley (16 points) made two clutch steals followed by lay-ups on back-to-back possessions to seal the game in over time for CMC 95-94. Murshid Randal led the Fighting Cacti with 18 points, Isiah Blackmon scored 15 points, Ronald Bell added 12 points, and Jaleel Simmons chipped in 11 points.
The Copper Mountain College women’s basketball Fighting Cacti faced off against Irvine Valley Wednesday night. The team was shorthanded but didn’t give up, finally losing 115-29.
