Vaqueros drop opener to Palomar, 75-60

Palomar closed on an 18-6 run Thursday afternoon to hand SBCC a 75-60 men's basketball defeat in the season opener for both schools.

Jeremy Franklin had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Comets, who jumped ahead 12-1 at the outset. The Vaqueros rallied to within two (21-19) at the 10:05 mark, thanks to strong play from reserves Ty Cleland, Elijah Grant and Chandler Kamai.

Palomar led 36-26 at intermission.

Thomas Walker topped the Vaqueros with 13 points and seven rebounds. Cleland had 12 points and three boards and Sean Keyes contributed 10 points. The Vaqueros outshot the Comets 48 to 42.6 percent but struggled from the free-throw line, making just 11-25.

"The free throws were huge and we had some untimely turnovers," said coach Morris Hodges. "We got it down to two a couple of times in the second half, then we would make a turnover. Transition defense hurt us in the first half and our execution wasn't sharp."

After trailing by 11, the Vaqueros cut it to 47-45 with 9:50 to play. They were within three at 57-54 with 5:28 remaining but only scored six the rest of the way.

Jonathan Montez, a 6-6 freshman, added eight points and four rebounds. Cody Williams had six points and seven rebounds.

The Vaqueros will play L.A. Valley on Friday at 3 p.m.