Mounties, Cougars Set for Non-Conference Clash

WALNUT, Calif. (Interstat) — A hot-starting Mount San Antonio men’s basketball team will look to continue its strong early season when it visits Los Angeles Southwest in a non-conference junior college matchup Wednesday.

The Mounties (6-2) enter on a two-game winning streak following a 74-58 victory over Los Angeles Harbor last Friday. They have won four of their last five, with their only loss in that span a narrow 82-75 defeat at Santiago Canyon.

Mount San Antonio is led by guard Dayvon Gates, who is averaging 20.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game over his last four contests. He scored 24 points in the win over Harbor. Forward Ryan Wheeler added 14 rebounds in that game, providing a key interior presence.

The host Cougars (8-5) have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over their past five games. They are coming off an 84-82 road loss to Cerro Coso on Dec. 2. In that game, forward Karifala Conde posted 25 points and eight rebounds.

Conde has been a standout for Los Angeles Southwest, averaging 21.3 points and 8.3 rebounds over a recent six-game stretch that included a 28-point, 11-rebound performance in a double-overtime loss to Ventura.

This game represents the final non-conference tune-up for both teams before each embarks on its conference schedule in January. Mount San Antonio will begin South Coast Conference play on Jan. 7, while Los Angeles Southwest opens Western State Conference South Division action on Jan. 7.

The matchup pits Mount San Antonio’s efficient, defense-oriented approach — they have held opponents under 60 points in three of their wins — against a Los Angeles Southwest squad that has shown high-scoring potential, topping 100 points twice this season.

Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday night at Los Angeles Southwest College.