Cedar Valley Knocks Off Connors State

LANCASTER, Texas – Dallas College Cedar Valley men's basketball team beat Connors State College, 83-78, Monday.

It was the Suns' first win over a National Junior College Athletic Association Division I opponent under fourth-year head coach Roy Gregory, and the program's first since Nov. 8, 2016 when Cedar Valley beat Weatherford College, 114-99, in the home opener. Cedar Valley competes in the NJCAA Division III. It was the first loss of the year for Connors State, who ran off four straight victories to begin the season. 

Four Suns scored in double figures in Monday's win. Guard Coreon Hardy had 25 points, four assists and a steal. Forward Charlie Gutierrez finished with 14 points, five rebounds, three steals and a block. Guard Kendall Mitchell had 12 points, six blocks and a steal. Forward Bryson Hill had 10 points, four assists and two steals off the bench.

Hardy was 9 of 14 from the field, and went 6 of 9 from three-point range. Gutierrez shot 6 of 12 from the floor. Mitchell went 6-for-8 from the free throw line. Hill hit three of six field goals.

Cedar Valley (2-1) shot 56 percent from the floor. The Suns were 10 of 26 from behind the 3-point line. They went 17-for-22 from the free throw stripe.

The Suns led, 42-34, at halftime.

Center Armani Reese had six points, seven boards and a steal. He was 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Guard Josh Beall shot 3 of 5 to finish with seven points. Guard Jameer Battle also scored seven points.

Following Wednesday's home game with Nelson University, Cedar Valley competes in the Blue Bell Classic Friday and Saturday at Blinn College. The Suns meet Coastal Bend College 5 p.m. Friday and host Blinn 3 p.m. Saturday.