Panthers Show Grit in Road Battle Against the Tigers

The Chaffey College men's basketball team saw its four-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday afternoon, falling 73-57 to Riverside City College (RCC) in a physical road matchup defined by rebounding, interior scoring and defensive pressure from the Tigers. Despite stretches of strong ball movement and productive bench play, the Panthers were unable to overcome RCC's advantage on the glass and second-chance scoring.

Chaffey opened the game with steady perimeter touches and early scoring from Logan Jereczek and Kajuan Thomas, but RCC capitalized on transition opportunities and inside scoring to build a 36-29 halftime lead. The Panthers shot 35.3 percent from the field in the first half and knocked down three from beyond the arc, but the Tigers' 20 rebounds and 20 paint points created separation going into the break.

The Tigers extended their advantage in the second half, holding Chaffey to 28.1 percent shooting while pulling down 53 total rebounds, including 18 on the offensive end. Chaffey continued to compete through defensive pressure and improved ball movement, receiving boosts from its rotation, but RCC maintained control behind efficient interior play and accuracy at the free-throw line, converting 88.2 percent of its attempts.

Payne led the Panthers with 12 points on 5-for-12 shooting, adding four rebounds and two assists across 30 minutes. Thomas followed with 9 points and ten rebounds while providing consistency through both halves. Avery Garcia added seven points, four assists and three rebounds, guiding the offense in extended stretches.

As a team, Chaffey shot 31.8 percent from the field and 22.7 percent from three while generating 31 bench points and 11 assists. Riverside countered with a 40.3 shooting percentage, a 53-37 rebounding advantage and 42 points in the paint, which were the key factors in the outcome. The Panthers also produced 12 fastbreak points and limited RCC to 19 percent from three, but the Tigers' 19 second-chance points ultimately proved decisive.

Chaffey will look to bounce back as the team continues its road stretch, traveling to face Mt. San Antonio College on Friday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m.