By Brittain Kelly
The Copper Mountain College Men’s Basketball team lost a squeaker last night to Santiago Canyon College in Orange Empire Conference play, 79-78.
Both teams made their respective runs in the first half, but it was the brilliant play of freshman Will Valsien that gave the Fighting Cacti the advantage at halftime, 31-27.
The second half was an intense showdown. Both teams had players that made huge individual efforts that kept the game tight. Down the stretch multiple “phantom” fouls were called on Copper Mountain College players, along with crucial missed free throws. Despite the unfortunate miscues, the game came down to the last possession and Copper Mountain ended up losing a heartbreaker, 79-78.
Even though he was fighting illness, Anthony Rice led CMC with a game-high 25 points and seven assists. Will Valsien also had a great game, contributing 23 points for the Fighting Cacti.
The men’s Fighting Cacti fall to 10-7 on the year and 0-1 in the Orange Empire Conference.
Next up, Copper Mountain College will face Saddleback College on Friday January 11. Tip-off is at 5 p.m. at Saddleback College.
