The MSJC Men’s Basketball team secured an impressive 93-86 victory on Wednesday, January 8th, against College of the Desert. The Eagles overcame a last-minute venue change due to weather and wind concerns that shifted the game from the San Jacinto campus to the Desert campus. The Eagles entered the contest with a 4-10 record but were riding the momentum of a high-scoring 111-105 win over LA Southwest in their previous game.
In that offensive showcase, 6’7” sophomore guard Elijah Edwards averaged 13.4 points per game on 51.1% shooting, dominated with 27 points and 15 rebounds, including five on the offensive end. Freshman guard Kristian Jefferson contributed 23 points and two steals, while freshman guard Kameron Manning-Fuimaono added 18 points and four assists. Freshman forward Adrian Mosley, a versatile player averaging 12.2 points per game, chipped in with 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Building on that momentum, the Eagles were determined to establish a winning streak in last night’s game. The matchup against College of the Desert was tightly contested, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Nearly four minutes into the second half, sophomore guard Corion Long sank a clutch three-pointer to tie the game. Moments later, his relentless defense forced a steal, leading to a fast-break layup that gave the Eagles the lead—one they never relinquished.
The Eagles delivered a balanced offensive performance, with five players scoring double figures. Sophomore James Freeman IV led all scorers with 20 points, showcasing his dominance with powerful blocks and emphatic dunks. Elijah Edwards continued his strong play, contributing 19 points and seven rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. Sophomore forward Armani Battiste controlled the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds–six of which were offensive and led to second-chance points. Adrian Mosley had a stellar all-around performance with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
One of the game’s most electrifying moments came late in the second half when Mosley grabbed an offensive rebound on a missed free throw and delivered a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Corion Long, who drove in for the score, giving the Eagles a commanding 85-70 lead. While College of the Desert made a late push, it wasn’t enough. Freeman sealed the game with a monster dunk near the two-minute mark, and the Eagles celebrated their second consecutive win.
MSJC will look to extend its streak in its next two road games: at Barstow on Saturday and at San Bernardino Valley College next Wednesday. They will then return home to face Cerro Coso at MSJC at 3 p.m. next Saturday, January 18, aiming to build on its growing momentum. With an abundance of athletic talent and signs of offensive and defensive cohesion, this team is shaping up to be an exciting squad to watch as it works to improve its record.
