State-ranked Merced College men’s basketball team defeats Cuesta for sixth straight win
The Merced College men’s basketball team continued their strong start to the season with a 99-90 win over Cuesta College in double overtime on Saturday night at Merced College.
The Blue Devils (8-1) extended their win streak to six consecutive games. Merced College is ranked No. 21 in the state. It’s the first time the program has been state-ranked in 17 years.
Sophomore Tyreon Payne scored 17 of his career-high 41 points in the two overtimes. Point guard Yasir Rowell added 33 points.
“Those two have been awesome all year,” said Merced College coach Allen Huddleston. “Together they are averaging about 40 points per game. The two of them in the back court makes it tough for opposing teams.”
Rowell came into the game averaging 22.3 points per game and Payne was averaging 19.5. Both players rank in the top 15 in scoring in the state.
The Blue Devils are back in action on Thursday at the Modesto Junior College tournament against Lassen at 2 p.m.
