This Underdog at SBVC Just Raised Eyebrows—You Won’t Believe His Shocking Stats!

SAN BERNARDINO — Lincoln Liggins, a talented freshman at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), has quickly become a key player in the Wolverines’ basketball program. After graduating from Arlington High in Riverside, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, Liggins made a smooth transition to college basketball, focusing on the hardwood where he aims to shine.

The decision to join SBVC was straightforward for Liggins. “I looked at the program and there’s a great coach, a great staff (and) great people,” he said. His confidence in his choice is evident; he has already started 22 of 23 games this season, showcasing his commitment and skill on the court. As a senior in high school, Liggins averaged an impressive 29.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to Arlington’s two CIF Southern Section playoff appearances in three years.

In his debut collegiate season, Liggins has earned the trust of SBVC head coach Quincy Brewer, who appreciates his defensive skills and clutch shooting. “He was a high-level scorer in high school and I think his game, offensively, is starting to transfer over,” Brewer noted. This season, Liggins is averaging 12 points and 4.2 rebounds. While his scoring numbers may not reflect his high school success just yet, he leads his team with an average of 2.3 steals per game, emphasizing his defensive prowess.

His season highlight includes scoring 23 points in two victories over Ventura and Victor Valley in December, and he currently boasts a shooting percentage of 44.3% from three-point range. As SBVC heads into the latter part of the season with an 18-5 overall record and an impressive 11-0 conference standing, Liggins remains focused on achieving the program’s goal: winning the Inland Empire Athletic Conference title, the first since the 2022-23 season. “It’s important for us to finish strong,” he expressed. “Hopefully, all goes right and we keep playing hard and just keep trying to get a championship for this program. I’d love to be a part of that.”

A Standout Performance in Baseball

In a different corner of the San Bernardino sports scene, Cal Poly Pomona senior baseball standout Jack Sanders made headlines by tying four single-game school records in a thrilling 21-13 victory against Azusa Pacific on January 31. Sanders hit three home runs, recorded six hits, scored six runs, and drove in nine RBIs, making him just the fourth player in the school's history to achieve six hits in a single game and the first since 2002.

Remarkably, he tied the CCAA single-game records for both hits and runs scored, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since 1985. Reflecting on his performance, Sanders said, “At no point did I realize I was close to any records. I was just playing the game hard.” His final at-bat was particularly dramatic; needing just one more statistic to match the records, he launched a solo home run in the ninth inning, achieving all four records with that single swing. Finishing the game 6 for 7, Sanders' performance is a testament to his talent and dedication.

Wrestling and Women's Basketball Success

Meanwhile, the California Baptist University (CBU) men’s wrestling program celebrated a significant victory in their first home dual meet of the new year, overpowering the Morgan State Bears with a commanding 37-10 win. Despite recent announcements regarding the program's cancellation after this academic year, the Lancers demonstrated resilience, securing eight wins in ten matches. Freshman Adonis Bonar and redshirt senior Eli Sheeren contributed to the win with decisive victories in their respective weight classes.

On the women's basketball front, the Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles have also made headlines, boasting an unbeaten 9-0 record in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference. The team, currently ranked No. 13 and holding an overall record of 18-5, has been on an impressive winning streak, having won five consecutive games and 12 of their last 13. Sophomore guard Karsen Marshall has been instrumental, scoring 33 points in a recent victory against No. 16 Copper Mountain, bringing the team closer to a potential ninth consecutive conference title.

As the various athletic programs in the San Bernardino area continue to thrive, the stories of Liggins, Sanders, and the CBU wrestling and women's basketball teams highlight the dedication and talent present in collegiate sports. With playoffs approaching, all eyes will be on these athletes as they aim to secure championships and etch their names into the history of their respective programs.