Coachella Valley's Chris Mañon scores career-high 32 points in win over San Diego

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Behind Chris Mañon’s career-high 32 points and 13 rebounds, the Coachella Valley Lakers started the season 2-0 after a 124-110 win over the San Diego Clippers on Monday night.

Mañon set the tone early with 16 points in the first quarter. Mañon also added a steal and two blocks. His previous career high came almost a year to the day on Nov. 10, 2025, when he had 31 points against the Valley Suns.

“I did know, I thought it was 33 but it was 31 last year. I could’ve had 40 tonight, but maybe tomorrow,” Mañon said postgame.

“It's my bread and butter,” turning defense into offense, Mañon said. “Being that point of attack defender is something I take a lot of pride in on the defensive side.”

The difference between this year and last year for Mañon has been his offensive output.

“Just playing with more confidence, playing with joy, not being afraid to make mistakes,” Mañon said.

For Mañon, he’s staying patient while on a two-way contract with the Lakers. He spoke about remaining patient throughout the process.

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“Just controlling what I can control. I'll say this, first half I was a little more patient, second half not so much. Ultimately, I think I can do a better job with my mentality.”

When asked about Mañon’s career high in points scored, head coach Zack Cerda said it all started with his defense.

“It really started with his defense, being a good point of attack defender. He’s just a tone setter for us on the defensive end. Offensively he’s able to attack closeouts. He makes good decisions, two-on-one reads in the paint, getting to the free-throw line. He’s a great downhill player, applying great pressure on the defense.”

For Mañon, the focus has been on improving his shot.

“He can shoot it,” Cerda said. “He’s been putting in a lot of time on his shot working with coach Liam Flynn.”

Four of the five Lakers starters scored in double figures: Cole Swider added 21 points, Jahmir Young had 21 points, and Arthur Kaluma had 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field.

Coachella Valley dominated on the glass, outrebounding San Diego 49-30. 17 of the 49 rebounds were offensive.

Cerda credited the team's practice drill called “Set the Tone” for their effective rebounding.

“It looks like a football practice out there when we’re working on rebounding,” Cerda said. Mañon led the team with 13 rebounds.

San Diego fell to 1-1 on the new season. The Clippers made three more field goals than Coachella Valley following a fourth-quarter scoring run that cut a 28-point lead down to 15. The Lakers tightened defense to close out the win.

A quick turnaround for both teams as the second half of the back-to-back takes place Tuesday at 7 p.m. PST at Acrisure Arena.