Coyote Event Center – November 13, 2024

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Men's Basketball team remained undefeated, overpowering Phoenix College with a 90-71 victory. After a tightly contested first half, CSN surged in the second half to secure their third straight win of the season, propelled by standout performances from their key players.

The Coyotes entered the game prepared for a tough battle, and the first half didn't disappoint. With only a one-point lead at halftime (30-29), CSN leaned on their defense to keep Phoenix College's offense in check. However, CSN's true strength was revealed in the second half, as they ramped up their offense and defensive pressure, scoring an impressive 60 points after the break to Phoenix College's 42.

First Half Recap

The Coyotes and the Bears were neck-and-neck throughout the first half. CSN's Cyril Franklin Jr. led his team with 15 first-half points, showcasing his shooting skills with two three-pointers and 5 of 8 free throws. Phoenix College's Anthony Kangah also made a strong impression, scoring 12 points on efficient shooting (3-6 from the field and 2-5 from three-point range) while capitalizing on free throw opportunities.

CSN's LeRone Wright and A'lyjah Conway-Wilson contributed with key baskets, though Wright struggled with his shot in the first half, hitting only 1 of 6. Phoenix College kept up with CSN through their own gritty defense and timely shots from players like Maximus Romero, who added seven points with some clutch free throws.

By the end of the first half, CSN held a slim lead, up 30-29, and both teams looked to make adjustments in the second half.

Second Half Surge

CSN came out in the second half with a reinvigorated offense and strong shooting. LeRone Wright found his rhythm, scoring 23 points in the second half alone, hitting 9 of 10 from the field, including three from beyond the arc. Wright's turnaround lifted CSN's momentum, extending their lead significantly as the half progressed.

Cyril Franklin Jr. continued his stellar play, adding 10 points in the second half and finishing with a team-high of 25 points, bolstered by his exceptional defensive play, which included six steals. Franklin's defensive efforts led to crucial turnovers that the Coyotes capitalized on, turning defense into offense and widening the gap. Conway-Wilson added another nine points in the half, showcasing his efficient scoring by going 4-4 from the field and sinking one three-pointer.

CSN's offensive success in the second half stemmed from their overall improvement in shooting. The Coyotes shot an outstanding 65.7% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of 10 threes in the half. They also made their trips to the free-throw line count, shooting 88.9% on free throws in the final period.

Key Performances

• Cyril Franklin Jr. - Franklin led CSN with 25 points, shooting 8-12 from the field and 3-4 from three-point range. He was a force defensively, recording six steals and keeping Phoenix College on their heels.

• LeRone Wright - Wright's dominant second half saw him tally 25 points overall, hitting 10-16 from the field, including three three-pointers. His shooting efficiency and defensive prowess (three steals) were pivotal in CSN's success.

• A'lyjah Conway-Wilson - Scoring 15 points on 5-6 shooting, including two three-pointers, Conway-Wilson also contributed four assists and was efficient both as a scorer and a playmaker.

Phoenix College's standout player was Anthony Kangah, who led the Bears with 25 points, going 6-11 from the field and 11-12 from the free-throw line. Kangah's energy on offense kept Phoenix within striking distance for much of the game, though CSN's relentless second-half push ultimately proved too much.

Marcus Washington played a key supporting role for the Bears, adding 12 points on 6-7 shooting and securing nine rebounds, but Phoenix College struggled with turnovers, committing 21 in total, which CSN turned into 22 points.

Team Stats and Final Analysis

CSN shot an impressive 54.2% from the field (32-59) and 47.6% from three-point range, while Phoenix College managed only 40% shooting and 25% from beyond the arc. CSN's efficiency at the free-throw line was also a significant factor, as they converted 16 of 23 attempts (69.6%).

The Coyotes' aggressive play paid off, as they scored 22 points off turnovers and leveraged their defensive pressure to maintain their lead in the second half. Their defensive rebounding was also strong, allowing limited second-chance opportunities for Phoenix College. Although Phoenix led in second-chance points (13-7), CSN's ability to capitalize on Phoenix's mistakes was the key to their victory.

CSN's bench contributed 17 points, and though they were outscored by Phoenix's bench (39 points), the Coyotes' starting lineup provided a balanced attack that wore down their opponents.

Looking Ahead

CSN's Men's Basketball team now sits at 3-0, with their next game slated for later in the week. This victory over Phoenix College further establishes CSN as a formidable team in their division, with strong performances across the board and the depth to compete against tough opponents. Coach and fans alike will be encouraged by the Coyotes' ability to adjust and perform under pressure, as evidenced by their explosive second-half play.