TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (December 28, 2019) - The No. 23 Salt Lake Community College men's basketball team showed it didn't pick up any defensive rust over the holidays in a strong win to open the 'Fiesta Bowl Junior College Shootout' tourney on Friday. Saturday, the Bruins showed their offense could also handle the load.

SLCC earned a dominating 91-68 win over New Mexico Junior College in Saturday's tournament semifinals, advancing to a championship game on Sunday. The Bruins led big at halftime, never letting up in a win that stretched their overall record to 14-3 overall.

Salt Lake held a 48-29 lead at halftime, shooting 53.1 percent from the field in the game and finishing with five double-digit scorers. SLCC made 15 three-point shots in the game.

Bruins coach Kyle Taylor said his team's Saturday performance was an example of good teamwork.

"Last night it was our defense, tonight it was our offense," he said. "We shot lights out from three-point range and did a great job of sharing the basketball. Christian Popoola, Justice Hill and James Lee were all great play-making off the bounce and creating shots for their teammates. Unselfishness is contagious."

BYU commit Spencer Johnson led the team with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Adam Hess, James Lee and Ed Chang all finished with 12 points each. Justice Hill finished as the other double-digit scorer with 10 points. 

Salt Lake will play longtime NJCAA power South Plains in Sunday's championship game, which is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at Mesa Community College.