Sophomore guard Mark Keeten scored 25 points, including five 3-pointers, on Monday to lead the SBCC men’s basketball team over WSC North rival Cuesta 77-72 in the consolation semifinals of the Hancock Holiday Classic.
David Lane added 24 points and a trio of 3-pointers while Richard Somdah had 11 points and eight rebounds. Ezra Fantl pulled down 12 rebounds as the Vaqueros (6-12) snapped a three-game losing streak.
SBCC, which led 38-31 at halftime, shot 46 percent overall and 41 percent (10-24) from the 3-point line. Cuesta (14-7) was held to 39 percent shooting and just 20 percent from downtown.
“After a tough, emotional loss (to No. 1-ranked Fresno in overtime), it was nice to see us bounce back and show a lot of character,” said Vaquero coach Morris Hodges.
Cuesta opened the second half with a 12-2 run to take a three-point lead. The Vaqueros responded with a 13-3 run of their own to go back on top 53-46. The Cougars got within one, 66-65, with 3:52 to play but never regained the lead.
SBCC will take on the winner of Butte and Skagit Valley (Wash.) in Tuesday’s consolation final at 3 p.m.
