London Calling: Men's Basketball Stops 6-Game Losing Streak In SCC North Opener

A sophomore point guard who routinely plays all 40 minutes on many nights, Pasadena CIty College men's basketball's London Benford is known more for his defense and passing, content to let others reach high in the scoring column. But on Friday night with his team in desperate need of a win, it was the 6-foot-2 Benford who PCC leaned on to get more involved in the offense.

Benford scored 12 of his team-high 18 points in the second half, made 8-for-9 from the free throw line and added six rebounds to help the Lancers end a 6-game losing streak, defeating Rio Hondo, 75-58, in PCC's South Coast Conference North Divison opener. Coach Michael Swanegan's Lancers improved to 10-11 overall while Rio Hondo dropped to 3-19 and 0-2 despite 27 points from Aaron Patterson. 

Tied at 29-29, the Lancers were relentless in the final minute of the first half. Reserve guard Armen Safeyan sank a trey and reserve guard Joseph Rousseau tapped in an offensive rebound off the glass. Benford then drove the lane for a layup and a 36-29 Lancers lead.

In the second half, the Roadrunners cut it to 48-44 but PCC went on a 14-3 run that included Benford scoring a basket-and-one and adding two other free throws. Reserve guard Mike Harris drove to back-to-back layups that capped the spurt. 

Rasheet Wilson added 14 points, including three treys, Harris had 12 points and seven boards, and Patric Panoosi tallied 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists. 

It was a monster defensive effort as well from sophomore forward Deandro Worrell, who despite scoring just four points, grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds (15 defensive) and blocked seven shots. 

PCC next plays at state #3-ranked East Los Angeles College on Wednesday, Jan. 29 in a 7 p.m. SCC North tip-off.