CSM beats Lassen for first win, go 1-2 at SJCC tourney

SAN JOSE – Jason Montgomery and Andrew Taylor Bryant-Frey scored 14 points each to help lead the College of San Mateo basketball team to its first win of the 2023-24 season, a 61-57 triumph over Lassen Community College on Day 2 of the San Jose City College Tip-Off Classic.

The Bulldogs went 1-2 at the season-opening tournament over the weekend. On Thursday, CSM suffered a narrow 61-59 loss to Feather River College to begin play. Following Friday's win, San Mateo closed the three-day event with a 73-54 loss to No. 25 state-ranked San Jose City.

The Bulldogs trailed Lassen on Friday 31-27 at halftime before outscoring the Cougars 34-26 over the final 20 minutes of the contest. The Bulldogs sank 10 three-pointers in the contest that helped fuel the second-half comeback.

Pawllos Habtom had a solid game in the win, contributing 11 points and 7 rebounds. Jermaine Patton scored 8 points off the bench and Myles Moore contributed 7 points.

Kiahn Nice made his presence felt in Thursday's season opener against Feather River. He torched the Golden Eagles for a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Habtom chipped in with 10 points and 5 boards while Zaden Martin 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Habtom closed out the tourney with his first double-double, putting up 17 points to go with 11 rebounds against San Jose City. Montgomery added 11 points in the loss.

San Mateo returns to action on Saturday (Nov. 11) when the Bulldogs host College of Alameda in their home opener at 6 p.m.