Panthers Push Win Streak to Four with Win Over Rio Hondo

The Chaffey College men's basketball team extended its winning streak on Tuesday evening, earning an 84-62 home victory over Rio Hondo College at the Sports Center. The Panthers controlled the game from start to finish, combining efficient shooting, balanced scoring and defensive pressure to push their win streak to four and improve to 5-3 overall.

Chaffey set the tone early with active ball movement and decisive shot-making, building a 45-29 halftime lead while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. Deisyn Payne, Avery Garcia and Brian Smith orchestrated the attack with efficient decision-making and tempo control throughout the first half.

The Panthers maintained their rhythm, holding the Roadrunners to just a 34.2 shooting percentage and 16.7 percent from three in the second half. The Roadrunners finished the contest with a 34.3 shooting percentage and 11.5 percentage from three, while the Panthers generated 12 steals and 21 assists as a team. Chaffey's bench again provided a major lift, contributing 49 of the team's 84 points and sustaining energy through extended defensive stretches.

Payne delivered a breakout performance, finishing with a career-high 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting, including 5-for-7 from three, while adding four rebounds and three assists in 17 minutes. Garcia followed with 13 points and seven assists on 6-for-8 shooting, continuing his consistent play at the point. Smith added 12 points, two rebounds and two assists in another balanced outing.

Jonathan Markham anchored the paint with 12 rebounds and six points, securing key defensive boards that limited the Roadrunners' second-chance scoring. Colin Ingram added 11 points and five rebounds off the bench, while Gozie Ejike contributed eight points, three assists and three steals in an energetic all-around performance.

As a team, Chaffey had a 48.5 shooting percentage from the field and were 73.3 percent from the free-throw line while controlling the interior and generating 18 points off turnovers. The Panthers also outrebounded the Roadrunners 44-39, recording 12 offensive rebounds and converting those into 11 second-chance points.

Chaffey will look to continue its momentum on the road, traveling to face Riverside City College on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m.