For two schools with over 50 years of history, Saturday would be the first-ever athletic sporting event between Copper Mountain College and College of the Desert. Some fans who were in attendance are already calling it "the battle of the desert". This newly birthed Rivalry was anticipated to be a "good one". Spectators could tell by the intensity, that neither team wanted to be on losing end of the first-ever match up.  It was "chippy" from the opening tap and both teams competed at a high level for all 40 mins.

In the first half, the Fighting Cacti withstood the Roadrunners pressure and controlled the game going into halftime with the 14 point lead 44-30.

 

C.O.D made a push to start the second half going on a 14 to 7 Run in the first 4 mins, cutting the deficit to 7. Sophomore Shooting Guard Schnider Casseus would give the Cacti the lift they needed playing very good defense and knocking down consecutive threes. Great Rebounding by Zack Kroker and a couple of late-game steals caused by sophomore Will Valsien would seal the deal for CMC. Copper Mountain would go on to win 83-70.
 

The Fighting Cacti had a complete team effort and every player who stepped on the court contributed. Hyking Brisbon, " Mr. Double Double" had another impressive game with 16 points and 11 Rebounds. Marc Hall attacked the basket like a "man on a mission",  he also finished with 16 points. Schnider Casseus had 13 points draining 4 three-pointers on the night. Dillon Voyles & Tyler Hudson were the other two Cacti in double figures with 12 points each.

With the victory, it's two in a row for Copper Mountain. With the win, the Fighting Cacti improve to 8-10 on the year and 2-4 in the conference. Hopefully, the Men can make it 3 in a row, as they travel to Ridgecrest Monday afternoon to take on Cerro Coso College. Tip-off @ 3pm.
                          
                         "Fight On Cacti"