Canyons Turned Away 91-86 by No. 9 West L.A.

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons opened an early 13-point lead over No. 9 state ranked West L.A. College, then nearly clawed out a win in the game's final seconds, before being turned away 91-86 at the Cougar Cage on Saturday.

Canyons started the game strong, shooting nearly 53 percent in the opening half as Jimmy Galgano and Dillon Barrientos led the way with a combined 25 points.

COC had outpaced the Wildcats 29-16 at the 12-minute mark of the game despite Cougars' leading scorer Andrew Henderson logging just seven minutes in the first half due to early foul trouble. 

That early advantage eventually faded away, however, as West L.A. looked to its reserve unit which combined for 33 points in the half, led by 12 points and seven rebounds from Matthew Mayes. 

The Wildcats also went 15-of-18 at the foul line in the opening half to give its side a boost. Canyons, which trailed 45-44 heading into halftime, attempted five foul shots in the same period.

The Cougars trailed West L.A. throughout the second half but drew to within three points several times in the final two minutes of play.

Henderson's jump shot with 49 seconds to go cut the Wildcats' lead to 87-84. Henderson finished the game with 16 points and a team-high five rebounds. The freshman scored 14 points in the second half. 

After a West L.A. layup put the game back at 89-84, Barrientos got to the line and converted on a pair of free throws to bring the deficit back down to three.

Canyons would get no closer, however, as West L.A. closed things out with two more free throws in the final seconds for the 91-86 final score. 

Barrientos was 8-of-10 in the game and led the Cougars with 23 points and four assists.

Galgano was next with 22 points and four rebounds on a 7-of-14 shooting night.

COC lost the battle of the boards 39-19 and scored just 16 points bench points compared to 67 from the Wildcats. West L.A. (14-3, 5-0) saw three bench players score in double figures. 

Roy Clarke led the Wildcats with 21 points and Mayes finished at 20 points and 11 rebounds, with both playing in reserve roles.

West L.A. entered the game ranked No. 9 in the state according to the most recent CCCMBCA statewide poll released on January 11. The Wildcats sit first in the Western State Conference (WSC), South Division and have won six straight.

Saturday's loss was the second straight for Canyons (9-7, 1-3) and represents the first time the Cougars have dropped back-to-back games this season. 

The defeat was just the second at the Cougar Cage this season. COC is now 2-3 across its last five contests. 

Canyons and West L.A. will meet again on Feb. 16 in Culver City.

Up next, the Cougars travel to Santa Monica College on Monday, Jan. 24 in a contest originally scheduled for Jan. 8. That game is scheduled to tip at 5 p.m. Due to COVID-19 protocols spectators will not be allowed at the SMC venue.

Monday's contest is the first in a four-game conference road trip for the Cougars with scheduled stops at Bakersfield, Antelope Valley and L.A. Valley College to follow.

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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. 

—Photo by Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information