A slow start and tough full court pressure from Fresno City dropped the Cougars back to .500 on the season with a loss in their final pre-conference home game, 97-87. The visiting Rams came to SLO as the third highest scoring team in the State and the Cougars, with a strong second half, pushed them to until the end. The visiting Rams ran a full press the entire game, which forced Cuesta to give up a season-high 24 turnovers, however the Cougars made up for their miscues by shooting over 52% from the field and knocking down a dozen three-pointers. Fresno's defensive pressure helped them build a 14-point lead at halftime, but they were never able to completely shut down the Cougars, who scored 87 points against the State's 3rd ranked defense. Freshman Shooting Guard Drew Ardouin (pict-L) scored a game-high 29 points, while Forward Mason Romano (pict-R) posted a double-double with 21 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, while also dishing out a game-best five assists. The Cougars record sits at 7-7 on the season, but they have been competitive in every game. Tonight's 10-point setback is tied for their largest losing margin of the season.
The Cougars will take a dozen days off from playing and be back in action for the Hancock Holiday Classic on December 29 and 30. The Cougars open the tournament with a re-match against Hartnell on December 29 (5 PM). Cuesta also beat the Panthers, 102-99, on December 12 in Salinas. On December 30, Cuesta ends the tournament against Chabot. Last season the Gladiators beat the Cougars in the tournament, 71-67, and they also own a win over Hartnell this season. The Cougars begin Western State Conference play on January 4 (7 PM), when they host Santa Barbara City.
