Panthers Earn Road Win Over Canyons Behind Balanced Effort

The Chaffey College men's basketball team put together an impressive performance on Saturday afternoon, earning an 82-81 road win over College of the Canyons. The Panthers controlled key stretches on both ends of the floor, using balanced scoring, second-chance production and strong late-game execution to secure their second win of the season and snap a three-game loss streak.

Chaffey opened the game with active ball movement and efficient perimeter shooting, keeping pace with the Cougars throughout a high-tempo first half. Semaj Morrison set the early tone with 11 first-half points, including three made threes, while Christian Walton and Colin Ingram provided steady interior presence. Despite trailing 39-30 at halftime, the Panthers' defensive pressure and second-chance opportunities kept the contest within reach.

The second half belonged to Chaffey. The Panthers erupted for 52 points after the break, shooting 45.2 percent from the field and connecting on seven threes. Improved rebounding, efficient shot selection and key plays from the frontcourt allowed Chaffey to narrow the deficit before taking control in the closing minutes.

Morrison delivered another standout performance, finishing with a team-high 21 points on 7-for-17 shooting while adding eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block across 31 minutes. Walton followed, scoring 18 points on 7-for-18 shooting with three rebounds and an assist.

Kajuan Thomas posted one of his most impactful games of the season, recording 13 points and seven rebounds while shooting 5-for-8 from the field. Ingram anchored the interior defensively, finishing with four points, four rebounds, two blocks and four steals in 23 minutes. Deisyn Payne contributed five points and four rebounds in the starting lineup, while Avery Garcia added eight points, a rebound and an assist off the bench.

Chaffey's depth again proved crucial, with the Panthers producing 37 bench points behind timely contributions from Brian Smith (four points) and Logan Jereczek (four points). As a team, Chaffey shot 35.4 percent from the field, knocked down 13 threes and controlled key phases with 19 second-chance points and 24 points off turnovers. The Panthers also battled to a 46-50 rebounding mark against one of the region's strongest interior teams.

The Panthers return to the Sports Center on Wednesday, Nov. 19, hosting Glendale College at 5 p.m.