Panthers Rally in Second Half to Defeat San Diego Mesa

The Chaffey College men's basketball team extended its win streak to three on Friday evening, earning a 77-69 home win over San Diego Mesa at the Sports Center. Behind efficient three-point shooting, improved second-half defense, and key contributions across the rotation, the Panthers moved to a 4-3 overall record and continued their early-season momentum.

Chaffey opened the game with strong perimeter play and active rebounding, but the Olympians matched the pace with efficient shooting of their own, knocking down 50 percent of their field goals in the first half. Logan Jereczek and Brian Smith provided early scoring, while Gozie Ejike added a lift inside with second-chance opportunities. Despite trailing 45-37 at halftime, the Panthers stayed within reach through their activity on the glass and timely perimeter shooting.

The second half marked a full shift in momentum. Chaffey tightened its defense, holding Mesa to just a 29.7 shooting percentage after the break and limiting the Olympians to 24 total second-half points. Improved ball movement and decisive scoring inside fueled a 40-point second half for the Panthers. Chaffey's defensive pressure also disrupted Mesa's rhythm, resulting in five steals and multiple transition opportunities that helped erase the deficit.

Jereczek delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, scoring a team-high 19 points on 6-for-15 shooting, including six made threes, while adding six rebounds and four assists. Smith followed with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists in an all-around performance that helped stabilize the Panthers throughout both halves.

Avery Garcia provided a major spark off the bench, scoring 12 points on 4-for-5 shooting from deep, shifting the momentum in Chaffey's favor during the second-half push. Kajuan Thomas continued his efficient interior play with nine points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting night to go with eight rebounds, while Ejike added nine points, six rebounds and one assist in 23 minutes.

Jonathan Markham contributed valuable minutes defensively, recording five defensive rebounds and providing crucial stops down the stretch. Semaj Morrison added six boards and five assists, helping guide the offense during key possessions.

As a team, Chaffey knocked down 11 threes, shot 44 percent from deep, and generated 46 total rebounds, including 16 offensive boards. The Panthers also produced 17 assists, 12 second-chance points, and held the Olympians to 8-for-23 from three, sealing the comeback victory through disciplined half-court defense and efficient late-game execution.

Chaffey will look to maintain its winning streak next week, returning to the Sports Center to host Rio Hondo College on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 5 p.m.