Comets Rally to Edge Copper Mountain 78-77

EL CENTRO, CA (11/1/2025) -- Palomar men's basketball completed a dramatic comeback to defeat Copper Mountain College 78-77 at the Battle of the Desert hosted by Imperial Valley College.

After trailing by six at halftime, the Comets outscored the Fighting Cacti 39-32 in the second half to improve to 2-0 on the young season. Benjie Nudo led the way with 17 points off the bench, hitting a three and going 4-for-7 from the line. Justin White added a near double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaidyn Norman posted 14 points, eight rebounds, and four steals.

Angel Ochoa finished with 10 points and six assists, continuing his strong playmaking from the opener, and Braylon Hollins hit two triples to score six points. The Comets shot 52 percent from the field and 72 percent from the line, outrebounding Copper Mountain 37-30 in the win.

Palomar (2-0) will now travel to Victor Valley College on Tuesday night.