Men's Basketball gets back in the win column with win over Phoenix College

Sunday January 26, 2025 - 8:00 p.m. | Dylan DeVlieger

Mesa Men's Basketball snapped their three game losing streak over the weekend as they beat Phoenix College, 75-67. With the win the T-Birds improved their record to 6-14 (3-7 ACCAC).

In the first half Mesa had to pivot their game plan early on as big men Kashar Benton and Ezra Badibanga both picked up two early fouls, sending them to the bench for all but three minutes of the half.

Tyreek Dean came in off the bench and helped light a spark in the T-Bird offense as he shot 7-11 from the floor in the first half scoring 15 points. Mesa controlled the glass in the opening half outrebounding PC, 22-11. Going into the halftime locker room MCC built up a 39-31 lead.

In the second half Benton made his presence felt after missing most of the first half as he scored seven points. Dean continued his offensive onslaught as he poured on nine more points in the half, giving him a season high 24.  

Though Mesa would build up a lead as much as 20 points the Bears would not cave as they chipped that deficit down into single digits before Mesa was able to make a final push to seal the deal. 

Mesa will have their hands full in their next contest as they travel to Tucson to take on No. 5 Pima who are undefeated in the year boasting a 22-0 (10--0 ACCAC) record. 

Breakout T-Birds:

Though he had a quiet night scoring the ball, Talbot Cummard posted a triple-double in the T-Birds victory scoring 10 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and handing out 13 assists. Cunard was on triple-double watch in the first half as he had eight points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. 

Mike Alexander had a double-double in the contest as he scored 10 points while grabbing 13 rebounds.

 PC: Branden Davis