Cuesta Men's Basketball is hosting the 56th Hinson's Tire Pros Tournament this weekend with local rival Allan Hancock and visiting teams Mendocino and Sequoias.  The Cougars and their new Coach Jamoni Barber made their home debut hosting three other 2025 playoff teams.  Local rival #18 Allan Hancock opened the tournament against #3 Sequoias in a barnburner that ended on a game-winning, three-point buzzer beater by the Giants' Kion Hayes, 70-69.  The Cougars took on Mendocino in the evening contest.  The visiting Eagles jumped out to a 32-4 lead in the opening fifteen minutes and had control of the game at the intermission, 33-13.  Coach Barber's halftime adjustments put the Cougars' back in contention in the second half.  The Cougars came roaring back with Sophomore Forward Ryan McNamee (pict) scoring all 11 of his points in the second half, while Sophomore Guard Aiden Pearsall-Morgan netted 11 of his team-high 18 points in the final 20 minutes.  The Cougars, eventually, pulled within four-points of the Eagles, but Mendocino survived the onslaught and held on to win, 69-65.  The Cougars are now 0-2 on the season. 

 

The Hinson's Tire Pros Tournament continues tomorrow with Allan Hancock and Cuesta switching opponents.  The rival Bulldogs will go against Mendocino (1 PM), while the Cougars close out the event against Sequoias (3 PM).