Oceanside, CA – January 24, 2025

In a hard-fought defensive battle, MiraCosta College edged out San Diego Mesa College 59-55 in a close contest at home. The Spartans relied on timely shooting and strong defensive plays to secure the victory in a game where every possession mattered.

First Half: Tight Battle from the Start

MiraCosta and San Diego Mesa went back and forth throughout the first half, with neither team able to build a significant lead. The Spartans held a slim 29-28 advantage at halftime, led by the efficient scoring of Jaiden Greene (12 points, 2-2 from three) and Benji Hilstock (11 points, 5 rebounds).

Second Half: Defense Leads the Way

The game remained close in the second half, with MiraCosta leaning on its defense to maintain the lead. The Spartans' defensive pressure forced 10 steals and 8 blocks, disrupting Mesa's offensive flow. Ramel Bethea was a key presence on the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds to help MiraCosta control possession. Despite struggling from the free-throw line (4-11, 36.4%), MiraCosta managed to close out the game with clutch plays in the final minutes.

Key Performers for MiraCosta

• Jaiden Greene – 12 points, 2-2 from three, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
• Benji Hilstock – 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals
• DaVaughn McCrumb – 8 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
• Ramel Bethea – 7 points, 10 rebounds, 7 blocks
• Rami Anglo – 8 points, 2-2 from three

Team Performance Notes

• Strong Perimeter Shooting: MiraCosta shot 40.9% from three (9-22), which proved to be a major advantage.
• Lockdown Defense: The Spartans recorded 10 steals and 8 blocks, making every possession difficult for San Diego Mesa.
• Struggles at the Line: Free-throw shooting was a challenge, with the team hitting only 36.4% (4-11).

Looking Ahead

MiraCosta continues to build momentum with another close win, improving their ability to execute in high-pressure situations. As they prepare for their next challenge, improving free-throw shooting and ball security will be key to future success.

Final Score: MiraCosta 59, San Diego Mesa 55