MSJC men hold off Barstow in conference matchup
The Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles basketball team claimed a hard-fought 78-69 victory over Barstow on Saturday, February 8, 2025, in a game that showcased their resilience and depth. The Eagles improved to 6-6 in conference play (8-16 overall) with the win, thanks to a strong second-half performance and standout contributions from key players.
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with Mt. San Jacinto holding a slim 28-27 lead at halftime. However, the Eagles turned up the intensity in the second half, outscoring Barstow 50-42 to secure the win. Adrian Mosley led the charge for Mt. San Jacinto, scoring a game-high 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field. Mosley also contributed seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal, proving to be a pivotal force on both ends of the court.
James Freeman IV was another standout performer for the Eagles, finishing with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Freeman was efficient from the field, shooting 7-of-8, and added two blocks and two steals to his stat line. Elijah Edwards also made significant contributions, scoring 13 points and grabbing three rebounds.
Despite a rough shooting night from beyond the arc—Mt. San Jacinto went 0-for-13 on three-point attempts—the Eagles made up for it with strong free-throw shooting, converting 34 of 45 attempts (75.6%). Their ability to draw fouls and capitalize at the line proved to be a key factor in the victory.
Defensively, the Eagles were active, recording 11 blocks and nine steals as a team. Armani Battiste was particularly impactful on the defensive end, blocking five shots and grabbing five rebounds in just 17 minutes of play.
For Barstow, Kalen Cobb led the way with 16 points and three rebounds, while William O’Shields Jr. added 11 points off the bench. Despite their efforts, Barstow struggled with turnovers, committing 17, which Mt. San Jacinto converted into crucial points.
The Eagles’ depth was on full display, with seven players contributing at least seven points. RJ Dawson provided a spark off the bench, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line and adding seven points in 16 minutes.
With the win, Mt. San Jacinto continues to build momentum as they push for a stronger position in the conference standings. The team’s ability to grind out victories, even when shots aren’t falling, bodes well for their prospects as the season progresses.
The Eagles will look to carry this momentum into their next game, aiming to improve their record and solidify their standing in the conference.
