COUGARS STAY UNBEATEN, WIN THIRD IN A ROW

Blackwood, NJ -- Cougars win third straight game to start season

The Camden County College men's basketball team remained perfect on the young season, grinding out a hard-fought 55–45 victory over the Community College of Philadelphia on Tuesday night.

In a game defined by defense and intensity from start to finish, the Cougars ultimately showcased their toughness and resiliency on both ends of the floor.

Camden's first test of adversity came Tuesday evening as a sluggish start offensively, coupled with CCP's defensive pressure and Sophomore Forward, Mikey Campbell leaving the game due to injury, led Camden to produce their lowest point total going into halftime. At the break, the score was 17-22, CCP.

Nonetheless, Camden was able to regroup and started the 2^nd half with a new-found energy and vigor. Suddenly, the ball was moving from side to side, rebounds were getting snatched off the glass and perimeter shots started to fall.

Several Cougars contributed in multiple facets, highlighted by Freshman Forward, Istavan Norwood (Dover, DE). Norwood's presence was ubiquitous as he scored 12 points, grabbed 8 key rebounds and blocked 3 shots. His presence inside has been a much-needed benefit to the team and has been a calming presence for his teammates.

Cam Rembert (Philadelphia, PA) added a spark off the bench, scoring 8 points with a momentum changing 'And-1" play late in the 2^nd while also grabbing several crucial rebounds (7) in the closing minutes. He also registered 2 assists, 2 steals & a blocked shot. The Cougars defensive effort in the 2^nd was rather impressive, limiting CCP's overall effectiveness offensively to close out the game.

Ayden Copestick (Deptford, NJ) also came alive in the 2^nd stanza with his propensity to take and make big-time shots. Ayden finished 4/10 from 3-pt range for 14 points and also secured 5 rebounds.

Head Coach, Lou Abbattista praised his team's resilience:

"We didn't shoot the ball particularly well tonight, but our guys stayed locked in defensively. That's the kind of effort that wins tough games."

With the victory, Camden improves to 3–0 on the season (first time since 19-20') and will hope to continue their strong play.

The Cougars will look to extend their unbeaten streak at home when they take on Thaddeus Stevens College of Tech at home on November 15^th at 1pm.

Photographgy: CVO Media, Christian Veletanga