Panthers Battle Through Fast-Paced Matchup at Santiago Canyon

The Chaffey College men's basketball team continued its early-season road stretch on Friday afternoon, falling 95-72 to a high-powered Santiago Canyon squad in a fast-paced matchup defined by perimeter shooting, transition runs, and stretches of efficient offense on both sides. Despite strong individual performances and improved second-half execution, the Panthers were unable to overcome the Hawks' early scoring bursts and three-point efficiency.

Chaffey opened the game with steady ball movement and balanced interior play, receiving early contributions from Kameron Gardner, Semaj Morrison and Christian Walton. Santiago Canyon found momentum quickly from beyond the arc, knocking down seven first-half threes and capitalizing on transition opportunities to build a 40-33 halftime lead. Morrison kept the Panthers within striking distance, scoring 15 first-half points, while Jonathan Markham and Colin Ingram provided key rebounds to help stabilize the lineup.

The Hawks extended their advantage in the second half behind continued perimeter efficiency and strong interior rebounding, shooting 68.8 percent from the field after the break and finishing with 13 made threes for the game. Chaffey generated quality looks throughout the half and posted a 39-point effort behind scoring from Morrison, Gozie Ejike, Kajuan Thomas and Avery Garcia, but Santiago Canyon consistently responded with timely baskets to maintain control.

Morrison delivered another standout performance, finishing with a team-high 23 points on an efficient 9-for-15 shooting night, including five made threes, while adding three rebounds and a steal in 33 minutes. Garcia provided one of his strongest outings of the early season, totaling 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals in 28 minutes of action.

Walton added 10 points and three rebounds, while Ingram contributed eight rebounds and two points to anchor the interior. Thomas added eight points and eight boards off the bench, including three offensive rebounds.

As a team, Chaffey recorded 41 total rebounds, including 17 on the offensive glass, while generating 12 assists and six steals. Santiago Canyon countered with 55.6 percent second-half shooting, a 46-41 rebounding advantage, and three blocks to control the contest.

The Panthers will now look to regroup as it returns home to the Sports Center. Chaffey hosts LA Trade-Tech on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m.