The MSJC men's basketball team, currently ranked #5 in the state, picked up a pair of home wins last week to set up a crucial Inland Empire Athletic Conference game on Wednesday with Chaffey.

The Eagles opened the week on Wednesday with a win over Copper Mountain 84-69, the Eagles built a 9 point lead at the half and kept the Fighting Cacti and arms length the rest of the way.  Dasean Stevens had another outstanding game for MSJC as he scored 30 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, had 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in the victory.  Isiah Shirley also had a strong offensive performance as he scored 20 points, Isaiah Skinner also reached double figures with 15.  Elijah Shirley added 7 rebounds in the win and Jackson Bernardo had 8 points and 3 steals.

Saturday MSJC defeated College of the Desert for the second time this season, this time by a score of 100-85.  The Eagles celebrated their 2024 sophomore class prior to tip-off.  Stevens had another strong showing as he scored 22 of his team high 24 points in the first half, he also had 6 boards and a game high 8 assists.  Isiah Shirley was right behind Stevens with 23 points, and Bernardo had a solid outing with 17 points and 6 assists.

The two wins move the Eagles overall record to 24-2, they are 12-2 in IEAC games.  MSJC has two regular season games remaining as they host Chaffey on Wednesday and travel to Barstow on Friday.  Wednesday night's game against Chaffey will give the Eagles a chance to move into a first place tie in the conference as the Panthers come to town 13-1 in league play and 23-3 overall.  Wednesday's game is set to tip-off at 7 pm.