CANADA, Calif. (Interstat) — The College of the Canyons men’s basketball team used a dominant first half and a balanced offensive effort to pull away from visiting Los Angeles Pierce for a 78-64 victory in a California Community College Athletic Association game Saturday.

The Cougars, who improved to 9-5 overall, seized control early by scoring 39 points in each of the first two quarters to build a 78-64 halftime lead. The Brahmas, who fell to 4-11, could not overcome the early deficit despite matching Canyons’ intensity after the break, as both teams were held scoreless in the second half.

Canyons’ efficiency proved decisive. The Cougars scored 78 points on 86 possessions for an offensive rating of 91.0, while Pierce managed just 64 points on 81 possessions for a rating of 79.3. The game was ultimately won at the free-throw line and through superior ball security. Canyons converted 25 of 31 free throws, compared to Pierce’s 22 of 31. The Cougars also committed 19 turnovers against 11 steals by the Brahmas, while Pierce turned the ball over 21 times against 13 Canyons steals.

The most important stretch of the game came early in the first quarter, immediately after Pierce’s Andrew Shackelford entered the game. With Canyons leading 10-8, the Cougars embarked on a 14-2 run over a three-minute span to take a 24-10 lead. The run was fueled by transition opportunities created by Pierce turnovers and sharp outside shooting from Canyons’ Wyatt Wilson, who hit two three-pointers during the burst. This early cushion allowed Canyons to manage the game comfortably thereafter, never letting the Brahmas get closer than 14 points in the second quarter.

Dwayne Boston Jr. led Canyons with 16 points and 12 rebounds, recording a double-double in 33 minutes. Craig Irons added 17 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Jeremiah Williams contributed eight points, seven rebounds and two assists. Julius Washington orchestrated the offense with a team-high five assists to go with six points and seven rebounds.

For Los Angeles Pierce, Andrew Shackelford provided a spark with a game-high 17 points in just 21 minutes. King Miller recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Mandell Anthony added 10 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Both teams finished with 41 total rebounds and similar shooting percentages from the floor. Canyons shot 24 for 62, while Pierce was 19 for 56. From three-point range, the Cougars made 5 of 20 attempts, and the Brahmas hit 4 of 19.

Canyons next travels to face Antelope Valley on Wednesday. Los Angeles Pierce will host Ventura on the same night.