Eagles Squeeze Past Chaffey For Key IEAC Win

The MSJC men's basketball team pulled out a big road win on Saturday afternoon connecting on a pair of free throws with 4 seconds left to defeat Chaffey 83-82.

The Eagles built their biggest lead of the contest in the first half as they shot just shy of 50% from the field in the opening 20 minutes and led 50-38 at the break. Chaffey came out in the second half and methodically pulled themselves back into the game finally taking a one-point lead at 66-65 with 9:53 remaining. The two teams battled back-and-forth from there to provide an exciting finish.

RJ Dawson connected on a three-point shot for MSJC with 1:56 left in the game to pull the Eagles within one at 82-81, that would be the last made field goal of the game. Chaffey could not convert on a couple of chances to extend their lead setting up MSJC with a final possession. Adrian Mosley missed a jump shot with 10 seconds left, but Dawson was able to pull in an offensive rebound and then he was fouled going to the rim with just 4 ticks left on the clock. Dawson made both opportunities from the line and Chaffey missed a desperation three-point attempt at the buzzer.

Dawson finished the game with 17 points and 9 rebounds he scored 13 in the second half. Willie Miller just missed a double double with 21 points and 9 boards, Mosley ended the day with 9 points and 8 rebounds. Joseph Boddie recorded a game-high 7 assists and Kameron Manning-Fuimaono came off the bench to contribute 8 points and 4 assists.

The Eagles move to 15-6 overall with the win they are 7-2 in Inland Empire Athletic Conference games and are currently tied for second place with Copper Mountain in the league standings. Copper Mountain will be in town on Wednesday for a key IEAC match-up. The two teams already met earlier this season in Joshua Tree with CMC getting the victory 83-71. Wednesday night's game will follow the women's contest between the two schools and is scheduled to tip-off at 7 pm.