The Panthers Men's Basketball team (9-5, 1-0) took on Modesto (7-6, 0-1) and held off a late comeback effort by the Pirates to win the Big 8 Conference opener.  The final score of the contest ended up being 93-87 with the leading scorers being Freshmen Ryan Reed (29 PTS) and Sophomore Troy Owens (23 PTS).  Modesto's Jemeil King kept the contest very close with his performance with 32 PTS and relentless blocks on the other end.

 

The game started out very quick and fast for the Panthers as they snagged 17 rebounds in the first half and played great defense with 6 steals and 2 blocks.  Troy Owens had the most points with 11 at half and Gabe Serna (16 PTS) showcased great shooting with a four point play and five trips to the line.  On the defensive side of the ball Jhalen Lumpkins had three steals.

 

Despite the late comeback at the end by the Pirates, led by King and Jaron Dickson with a three point shootout, the Panthers came away with the win and will head off to face against San Joaquin Delta on Friday, December 29th, at 7:30PM.