Undefeated No. 10 SAC Men’s Basketball to Open OEC Play Against No. 15 Santiago Canyon
January 7, 2026

Undefeated No. 10 SAC Men’s Basketball to Open OEC Play Against No. 15 Santiago Canyon

No. 10 Santa Ana is ready for their first big test against No. 15 Santiago Canyon as they open OEC play on Wednesday.

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SANTA ANA, Calif. - The Santa Ana College men's basketball team has climbed up to No. 10 on the CCCMBCA polls after going undefeated at 14-0 in the preseason. SAC is set to begin Orange Empire Conference play against No. 15 Santiago Canyon College on Wednesday. 

One of the keys to their success has been the play of their three starting guards. Aaron De Santiago is averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while fellow freshman Christien Jimenez has racked up 100 assists (3rd in the state - 7.1 apg) and posted averages of 6.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. 

Cameron Swist has been steady for the Dons with 13.7 points per game while shooting 43.2 percent from three point range. 

While the bulk of the points have come from those guards, Santa Ana has also benefited from the depth of their front court. 

Joshua Garland has been an offensive weapon off the bench, averaging 12.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 42.9 percent from downtown. Kelvin Paul has provided versatility with his guard skills and ability to guard multiple positions. He sits at 8.2 points and 4 rebounds per game. And redshirt freshman Illinois Bidima Jemminez is the anchor for the Dons' defense as he gives them size they haven't had in years. The 6'9 center is averaging 4.6 points, 7 boards and 2.3 blocks (5th in the state). 

Santa Ana can also rely on a handful of wings and guards to contribute off the bench at any moment as Serigne Saliou Mbaye, Salvador Lara, Daniel Taite, Tyler Peterson, Yuri Klines and Charlie Spann all get minutes when available. 

The Dons hope to continue playing this style of basketball and make a run for the OEC title as conference play starts.