Cougars Close Out L.A. Trade Tech in 66-61 Tourney Win

After a brief two-game skid, the College of the Canyons men's basketball team found its way back into the win column by defeating Los Angeles Trade Tech College 66-61 in opening round action of the 26th Annual Cougar Holiday Classic on Monday night.

Canyons (4-6) built a solid 40-28 lead heading into halftime, but was forced to tighten up during the final minutes of play in order to close out the game and emerge victorious.

The Cougars shot a combined 37 percent from the floor, but outrebounded the Beavers 44-34, which helped give Canyons the edge. Both teams committed 17 turnovers in the contest.

In the second half the Beavers put together a series of offensive runs, eventually drawing to 46-45 with 10:57 to play.

The two teams then traded possessions the rest of the way, with neither team able to fully take control and build a comfortable lead.

With 1:52 remaining, and the Beavers trailing 64-58, LATTC took a timeout looking to stage a final attack.

However, Canyons was able to hold strong. After the timeout COC sophomore Victor Nwaba found a path to the lane to make it 66-58.

Roughly one minute later the Beavers executed on a three-point play to make it 66-61, with 39 seconds to play.

Coming out of another timeout, the Cougars were able to run 20 seconds off the clock before LATTC committed a foul.

But by then it was too little too late, as the Cougars advanced to the tournament's championship game on Tuesday. 

COC freshman guard Alex Sanchez finished the game 5-of-13 from the floor to register a game-high 22 points. His 10 rebounds also led the Cougars.

Nwaba chipped in with 16 points and four rebounds, while freshman Caden Bradley tallied four blocks, six rebounds and four points. Sophomore guard Jacob Tobon finished with nine assists.

Freshman guard James Chevious registered eight points, three rebounds and two steals off the bench for the Cougars.

Earlier in the day, Orange Coast was able to secure a 67-55 win over Bartow College in the tournament's first contest.

As a result, Canyons will tip off vs. Orange Coast College in the Cougar Holiday Classic Championship Game at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29.

LATTC will face Barstow in the consolation bracket at 1 p.m. to begin Tuesday's tournament action.