Storm Stumble Against No. 8 Aztecs in Winter Classic Opener
Gavin Aguilar Goes Leads the Storm With 12 Points in Tuscon, Arizona
Storm Stumble Against No. 8 Aztecs in Winter Classic Opener
TUCSON, AZ — The Chemeketa Community College men's basketball team faced a daunting post-holiday test on Monday, falling 105-62 to the No. 8, Nationally Ranked, Pima Community College Aztecs in the opening round of the Aztec Winter Classic.
The Storm showed flashes of potential early, sprinting to a five-point lead in the opening minute of play at the West Campus Aztec Gymnasium. However, the nationally-ranked Aztecs quickly adjusted, utilizing a high-powered offense and a significant size advantage to seize control. By halftime, Pima had surged to a 63-30 lead, outscoring the Storm by double digits in both halves.
Physicality proved to be the deciding factor in the desert. Pima dominated the interior, outscoring Chemeketa 54-18 in the paint and winning the rebounding battle 50-27. The Aztecs' efficiency was on full display as they shot 58.1% from the field, led by sophomore Mason Hunt's game-high 28 points.
Despite the lopsided final score, the Storm's early aggressive start provided a blueprint for the energy required against top-tier competition. Chemeketa will look to regroup quickly as they continue play in the Aztec Winter Classic on Tuesday, aiming to refine their interior defense and rebounding ahead of their next matchup.
Pictured: Andrew Imhoff - 13 Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio