COD (6-7; 1-0) opened up Conference play with another come-from-behind win, using a career night from Joseph Rojas, scoring 25 points on seven 3-point shots off of the bench, as the Roadrunners sank the Palo Verde Pirates of Blythe (7-7; 0-3), 77-75.

The Roadrunners grabbed back-to-back wins for the second time this season and began Inland Empire Athletic Conference play the best way possible. Getting there was the tough part as Desert has to fight from seven points down at the half, 40-33, using a 13-4 run early in the second half to close the gap to one, 52-51 with 13:17 left in the game. The Roadrunners would use a 10-0 run late in the second half to take the lead, capped off with a huge 3-point shot by Rojas with 3:17 left to give Desert a 72-70 lead, holding that lead until the end.

Sophomore guard Joseph Rojas (Palm Desert H.S.) had a great game, but an even more impressive second half, scoring 16 of his career high 25 points in the second half. Shooting 9 of 15 from the field and going 7 of 13 from 3-point range, all while grabbing 6 total rebounds, 5 defensive. Sophomore starting forward Jermayn Baxter (Indianapolis (IN) Decatur Central) added 14 points on 6 of 12 shooting and had a season high 3 blocks. Freshman starting guard Jamerson McClendon (Indio H.S.) contributed 9 points on 3 of 8 shooting, leading the team with season highs in assists (8) and blocks (4). Freshman forward Wilfred Weir (Murrieta Valley) also added 9 points on 4 of 10 shooting and 2 blocked shots. Sophomore forward Trevon Batts (Las Vegas (NV) Chaparral) was a perfect 4 for 4 from the free throw line, grabbing season highs in rebounds (6), all defensive, and blocks (2) and sophomore guard Isaiah Goad (Palm Springs H.S.) led the team with a season high 7 boards, 5 defensive, in the win.

The Roadrunners next game will be on the road as they continue Conference play by facing the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines on Saturday, December 23 at 3p and the next home game for Desert will be on Wednesday, January 10 at 5p as the Roadrunners host the Barstow Vikings.

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Information, Story & Photos provided by COD Sports Information.