COD Men’s Basketball snaps 7-game drought, sinks Pirates, 118-108

College of the Desert Men's Basketball celebrated St. Valentine's Day and Military Appreciation Day in style, snapping a seven-game losing streak with a high-powered 118–108 victory over the Palo Verde Pirates of Blythe on Saturday night.

The Roadrunners (6-20; 3-11) put together one of their most complete offensive performances of the season, placing four of five starters in double figures and sweeping the season series from the Pirates (4-22; 2-12). With the win, COD has now captured five of the last seven meetings in the series and owns a 5-1 home record against Palo Verde dating back to the 2019-20 campaign.

Freshman guard Jayse Creavalle (Palm Springs H.S.) delivered a milestone performance, recording his first collegiate triple-double. Creavalle finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds (nine defensive), and a team-high 12 assists while knocking down three shots from beyond the arc.

Sophomore guard De'mien King (Palm Springs H.S.) powered the offense with his sixth double-double of the season, pouring in a game-high 29 points on 11-of-22 shooting. King was perfect at the free-throw line (6-for-6), added 11 rebounds (eight defensive), and led the team with four steals in an all-around effort.

Freshman guard Payton Joseph (Beaumont H.S.) continued his strong rookie campaign with 19 points, marking his sixth performance of 15 or more points this season. Sophomore forward Stephen Shuffleton (Palm Desert H.S.) provided a major spark off the bench, tallying 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting and grabbing nine rebounds in one of the top outings of his career.

Freshman guard Lee'Tron Turner (Indio H.S.) added 15 points, while freshman guard Antoine Ware Jr. (Downey Los Angeles Premier Prep) chipped in nine points off the bench, including three made three-pointers.

The Roadrunners will close out their home schedule on February 18 at 7 p.m. when they host the Victor Valley Rams of Victorville inside the friendly confines of Palm Desert.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Dale Beck Photography.