Brathwaite Can’t Save SMC Men From Defeat:

If the Santa Monica College men were going to lose to Glendale College in Corsair Pavilion Saturday night, it wasn’t going to be Mark Brathwaite’s fault.The freshman guard from Boston scored 21 points in the first half and 35 overall. However, his performance was matched by Owen Duckworth, Glendale’s freshman forward from Muir High in Pasadena.Duckworth scored 23 points in the first half and also finished with 35.Glendale won, 87-74, as SMC remained in a slump. The Corsairs lost at home to Canyons in their previous game.Glendale had a 46-35 halftime lead. SMC scrambled back and was within five points (53-48) with 14 minutes remaining. The Corsairs still had a chance with three minutes to go, trailing 76-70. But that was as close as they came.There are several reasons why the Corsairs aren’t winning more often.It’s been hard for Coach Trevor Shickman to establish a substitution rotation for various reasons. In this game neither Kenny Michaels nor Malik Belvine played. Both have been prominent at times.Shakir Johnson, a 6-foot-9 freshman center with intriguing potential, has suffered from foul trouble throughout the season. He picked up two quick ones in this game, spent much time on the bench, and ultimately fouled out.Guard Anthony Lomelo missed more than a week of practice time and played limited minutes in two games due to strep throat. He had his moments in this game as his stamina improved.