Cuesta Men's Basketball improved to 14-7 on the season and 3-2 against the Western State Conference with a win over Los Angeles Pierce, 65-59.  The Cougars controlled most of the game and took a seven-point lead into halftime, 32-25.  The Brahmas bounced back to play even after the intermission, but they never threatened the Cougars' advantage.  Freshman Guard Shinichi Itoh (pict) led the Cougars with 21 points, while all-WSC Guard Stevie Waiters and Center Alessandro Perotti each added a dozen more.   

Coach Rusty Blair has already compiled more wins than any coach in Cuesta history (573) and he has now coached his 1000th game.  Only a few coaches in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) have enjoyed the good fortune, good health and the talent to lead generations, but Blair's 33 years at the helm has helped the Cougars gain statewide respect.  Blair, after a successful playing in coaching career in Europe returned home to San Luis Obispo in 1992 to take over a struggling program and took the program from six wins to the playoffs in two years.  This shall be his last season on the bench, but his Cougars are still battling for their 20th playoff berth under his leadership.  He has had a lot of help this season from Coach Danijel Mihailovic, who has injected enthusiasm and a new perspective to the program as the old and new have merged to put the Cougars in playoff contention.  

The Cougars return to the road next Wednesday (7 PM) to open another WSC Men's and Women's Doubleheader at Santa Barbara City.  The Cougars do not return to play in front of their home faithful until February 5, when they host rival Allan Hancock to kick-off the second round of conference play.