In sports, no matter if it’s a preseason or championship game, there usually is a winner and a loser.

Coming into their game against the Glendale Community College Gauchos on Jan. 10, the Scottdale Community College Fighting Artichokes men’s basketball team had their work cut out for them, as GCC’s players towered over SCC’s scrappy defenders. 

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community student-athlete Beau Burns Jr. has been a bright spot on SCC’s team this season, known for his steady jump shot and tenacious defense. 

When you look at it one way, whenever Burns has playing time on the court this season, SCC is usually victorious; SCC is 5-1 when Burns gets playing time on the court. Burns did not get playing time against GCC, which could possibly explain why SCC struggled all game.

The Gauchos boasted a starting lineup featuring massive 6-footers in all five positions. In addition, their bench was composed of additional towering hoopers, all over 6 feet tall. This proved to be a battle for SCC head coach Zachary Harrison, as he continually tried emphasizing a full-court defensive gameplan all game. 

Sadly, the Gauchos were too tall and talented, at least during this game. SCC simply could not adjust and overcome the double-digit deficit in time. The closest SCC got was when they trailed by 11 points in the third quarter. 

During the fourth, the rims seemingly turned cold for SCC, as their free throws began to clank off the rim. SCC players also committed costly turnovers, which resulted in easy buckets for GCC. 

Though GCC dominated all game, head coach Ken Carrillo always demanded perfection. When GCC’s point guard made a lay-up while getting fouled, the player celebrated a bit too loudly afterward and was given a technical foul. This sent Carillo into a rage; he punched his sideline chair several times in frustration while using colorful language. 

When it was all said and done, GCC defeated SCC 84-63. To further rub it in, GCC’s final basket was an alley-oop dunk over several defenders. SCC will have one more shot at GCC when they host the Gauchos during their home-season finale on Feb. 28.

With a few more games left this season, the SCC men’s basketball team will continue working to earn a ticket to this year’s playoffs in the hopes of bringing home a championship to Scottsdale. 

Here are the remaining home and away games for Scottsdale Community College’s men’s basketball team. 
Home games are in bold.

Feb. 14, 4 p.m., at Mesa Community College

Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Phoenix College

Feb. 21, 4 p.m., vs Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., at South Mountain Community College

Feb. 28, 4 p.m., vs Glendale Community College