COD Men’s Basketball collects 7 blocks, but struggles beyond the arc, falls to Spartans, 74-63

COD (10-10; 1-1) fell to even on the season, but a gigantic seven block performance by Nick Pete was almost overshadowed by a frustrating 7 for 33 night from beyond the arc, as the Roadrunners fell to the MiraCosta Spartans of Oceanside (10-10; 1-1), 74-63.

MiraCosta would jump out to take an early lead on a 5-0 run, but after sophomore starting forward Nicholas Pete (Hemet Tahquitz) hit a couple of layups and a free throw, the game was tied at 5-5. And the race was on, as one team would start to pull away, the other would say, "No you don't," and pull the other team even on the scoreboard. Eventually, Desert would build up their largest lead of the game, 32-27 on a layup by sophomore starting guard Gunnar Mogolis (Palm Desert H.S.) with 3:03 left in the first half. Both teams would go into the halftime break with the Spartans leading 35-32.

The one thing that kept dogging the Roadrunners going into the second half was the 13.3% (2 of 15) shooting from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, that cold spell from three-point range would carry over into the second half, when they desperately needed those shots to fall.

Desert would open the second half, ironically, by nailing a three-pointer off the hands of freshman starting guard Sam Skipper (Perris H.S.) to tie the game at 35-35 with 17:59 left in the game. Unfortunately, that would be the final time that the Roadrunners would be tied in the contest.

Pete would lead the way for Desert, with 21 points on 9 of 13 shooting, tying the team lead with seven total boards and setting a season high with seven blocked shots. Skipper would add 12 points on 4 of 17 shooting and also grabbing seven total rebounds on the night.

Sophomore guard Shaquille Russell (Reseda Cleveland) came off the bench and added ten points on 3 of 8 shooting from beyond the arc and sophomore starting guard Riley Welch (Littleton (CO) Chatfield) led the team with nine assists and four steals.

The next game for Desert is Friday, when they continue Pacific Coast Athletic Conference – North Division play by hosting the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines on January 25. The game starts at 7 p.m.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Michael Leone Photography (f8leone@yahoo.com).