Freshman Niiko Pentelute (Gilbert HS) scored a game-high 18 points as the Aztecs men's basketball team opened the regular season with a 147-63 win over Skyline Prep. The Aztecs' bench scored 82 points for the game. Photo by Stephanie van Latum
Freshman Niiko Pentelute (Gilbert HS) scored a game-high 18 points as the Aztecs men's basketball team opened the regular season with a 147-63 win over Skyline Prep. The Aztecs' bench scored 82 points for the game. Photo by Stephanie van Latum

Seven players score in double figures as Aztecs Men's Basketball wins 2022-23 opener

The Pima Community College men's basketball team (1-0) opened the 2022-23 season on Saturday as it hosted Skyline Prep at the West Campus Aztec Gymnasium.

  • The Aztecs won the game 147-63 as they took an 85-26 lead at halftime and outscored Skyline Prep 62-37 in the second half.
  • The Aztecs had seven players score in double figures. Freshman Niiko Pentelute (Gilbert HS) came off the bench and led the Aztecs with a game-high 18 points. The Pima bench scored a total of 82 points.
  • Sophomore Cesar Saenz (Sabino HS) and freshman Dillan Baker (Salpointe Catholic HS) each scored 17 points. Sophomore Traivar Jackson and freshman Yahir Garcia (Tucson Magnet HS) each netted 16 points.
  • Sophomore Pablo Gutierrez (Sabino HS) added 12 points and eight rebounds and freshman Zach Williamson came off the bench and had a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
  • The Aztecs shot 68 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range.

The Aztecs will be back at the West Campus Aztec Gym on Tuesday when they host Mesa Benedictine University JV. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.

Skyline   26   37     63
Pima       85   62   147