Men’s team extends home streak; loses away game to Clackamas

The men’s basketball team continued its home win streak last week, running it to three as they beat Umpqua Community College 69-55, before falling to Clackamas 80-72 in a road game Wednesday.

“We had good looks, we just missed on good opportunities,” head coach Geoff Gibor said of the Clackamas game. “Second-chance points was the game changer; they did a good job at that. We’ve played at tough places and have gotten leads but have not finished like we should.”

MHCC had four players in double figures but it wasn’t enough.

“This was a rivalry game and they (Clackamas) played unselfish. It was a hard game to lose but it was a good game,” said Gibor.

MHCC is now tied with Clackamas for fifth place (5-6) in the South Region but Clackamas has won both matchups.

“We need to finish stronger throughout these remaining games. Every game is crucial from this point,” said Gibor.

The Saints had shooting troubles throughout the game, shooting 34 percent as Clackamas shot 48 percent.

“Experience matters in closing games like these, especially for guards. But Blake (Updike) and Landon (Rushton) have played well throughout the season,” said Gibor.

Gibor said his message to his team at this point is to take care of business. Every possession matters.

In their Saturday game against Umpqua, the Saints led throughout the game and shot 50 percent from the field. Shooting guard Updike had a team-high 18 points, shooting 6-9 from the field and 4-6 from the three point line.

Big men Thomas Simien and Mac Johnson each scored in double figures, with 13 and 10, respectively. The team’s defense played a big role in the outcome as Umpqua shot 37 percent from the field and 6 percent from beyond the arc.

The Saints dominated down low, winning the rebound battle 47-31. The last time these two teams played, MHCC won a nail-biter 74-73 in Roseburg.

On Saturday. MHCC (5-6 in league, 9-14 overall) plays Southwestern Community College at home at 4 p.m.

“This game will be interesting. We need to get out on their shooters. We have to be disciplined and be patient on offense. If we do that, I don’t think they can compete with us,” said Gibor.

“We’ve got to play focused. We can’t get turnovers at half-court. Teams get easy shots that way; we just need to stay focused and play together as a unit,” said Gibor.

Next Wednesday, the team plays its final away game of the season against Chemeketa Community College in Salem. The two teams previously met on Jan.23, with MHCC winning 87-67.