Panthers Show Fight but Fall Against LA Trade-Tech

The Chaffey College men's basketball team returned to the Sports Center on Wednesday evening, falling 93-84 to LA Trade-Tech in a high-tempo matchup defined by perimeter scoring, shifts in momentum, and strong guard play on both sides. Despite a 50-point first half and several standout individual efforts, the Panthers were unable to slow the Beavers' second-half efficiency, dropping their third straight game.

Chaffey opened the night with sharp offensive execution, shooting 54.3 percent from the field in the first half and knocking down 10 threes through the opening 20 minutes. Kameron Gardner and Logan Jereczek fueled the early rhythm, combining for seven first-half threes, while Avery Garcia provided steady playmaking to help the Panthers build momentum heading into halftime at 50-45. LA Trade-Tech countered with an offensive burst of its own, attacking the interior and converting 75 percent at the free-throw line to keep the margin tight in the first half.

The Panthers moved the ball well and controlled stretches of tempo, but the Beavers' ability to convert in transition prevented Chaffey from extending the lead. In the second half, LA Trade-Tech found its rhythm, shooting 51.4 percent from the field and outscoring Chaffey 48-34 behind timely perimeter shots and improved rebounding. While the Panthers generated quality looks and continued to attack from long range, LA Trade-Tech capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to swing momentum. A late Chaffey push, sparked by Gardner, Garcia and Jereczek, trimmed the deficit, but the Beavers answered with key scores in the final minutes to secure the win.

Gardner led the Panthers with 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting, including four made threes, while adding five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jereczek followed with 14 points on 4-for-9 shooting from three, providing timely scoring throughout both halves.

Garcia delivered a strong all-around performance with 10 points, three assists, three rebounds, and one steal in 23 minutes. Deisyn Payne added 11 points and two rebounds off the bench, knocking down three threes to provide a perimeter spark. Colin Ingram contributed eight rebounds and six points inside, while Kajuan Thomas posted 10 points and a team-high 12 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.

As a team, Chaffey recorded a 44.9 shooting percentage from the field and 38.2 percent from three, connecting on 13 total threes while generating 40 points from the bench. The Panthers also collected eight offensive rebounds and produced four steals, but LA Trade-Tech countered with a 47.9 shooting percentage, 19 assists and a 36-35 rebounding advantage, including 50 points in the paint.

Chaffey will now turn its attention back to the road, traveling to face College of the Canyons on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m.