Board Work Lifts Men's Cagers To Road Victory

Last season, the Pasadena City College men's basketball team had a successful 19-11 season and won a playoff game, but one area of concern for the Lancers was a rebounding disadvantage v. a number of teams. PCC was outrebound in all but one of its losses.

With the continued improvement made by talented sophomore wing Dylan Swillis, PCC head coach Ryan Frazer has also brought in a few freshmen that have strengthened the team's battle on the boards. The Lancers pulled in 57 rebounds on Saturday, the most by a PCC team in Frazer's three seasons, in taking control of an 87-81 win at Los Angeles Southwest College. 

The 6-foot-5 Swillis was a force with 28 points and 18 rebounds (nine offensive) while letterman wing Kaiden Fine added 17 points (6-for-6 at the free throw line) and 11 boards. Sophomore point guard Jalen Vazquez chipped in 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and 6-6 freshman wing Quinlan Daly tallied seven rebounds off the bench. Although he was limited to only three offensive rebounds (and five points), 6-5 frosh forward Cooper Creamer is another player who will increase PCC's inside-the-key presence.

On the scoring end, Darrius Freeman sank three 3-pointers as part of his 14 points while reserve guard LaQwon Cole had seven points and three assists. 

Overall in four games, PCC (3-1) has increased its rebound totals in each contest going from 35 to 40 to 48 v. Glendale and then its high total v. LASW.

The Cougars and Lancers produced 15 lead changes, the last when Swillis made three free throws in the final seconds for a 42-40 PCC halftime lead. 

In the second half, LA Southwest got as close at 51-49, but Pasadena responded and increased the lead to 70-58 on a Vazquez jumper. The Cougars made one last run to cut it to 81-78, but Swillis drove the lane for a layup that put the game away with 1:25 left. 

Ranked #25 in the state, PCC next plays in the Cerro Coso Crossover, facing the host Coyotes on Friday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m., then playing v. Victor Valley on Saturday at 12 noon.