MEN'S BASKETBALL: A strong shooting performance against pressure defense helped propel the Ventura College men's basketball team to a 72-63 win over Orange Coast College Saturday afternoon in the third place game of the We Play Hard Tip-Off Tournament at the Athletic Event Center. Jon McMurry led VC with 20 points, including four 3-pointers, to earn All-Tournament honors in the win. Vondel Faniel came off the bench to net 12 points with a team-high nine rebounds for the Pirates (2-1).
VC jumped out to an early 13-7 lead five minutes into the contest. The Pirates of the North shot very well in the first half with OCC leaving the corners wide open amidst their pressure and attacking defense. Mcmurry capitalized on this, knocking down three triples in the first half, helping him finish the half with 13 of his game high 20 points. Behind all around hot shooting and tough work on the glass, the Ventura took a 39-29 lead into the break.
VC did not look back in the second half, although the Pirates of the South did make it close, cutting the VC lead to as few as four points after it had been strung out to 14 with ten minutes to play. Ventura continued to have trouble taking care of the ball, tallying 20 turnovers in the game, but defensive stops late and key rebounds coupled with solid offensive execution down the stretch allowed Ventura to hang on for the 72-63 win.
McMurry added seven rebounds and four assists to his 20 points while Ivan Dooley recorded 11 points, six boards and four assists. Anthony Morman pulled in eight boards to go along with six points and reserve guard Ramon Franklin hit for eight key second half points.
Ventura will hit the hardwoods again on Wednesday Nov. 13 at Los Angeles Valley College. Tip-off in Valley Glen is scheduled for 6:00 pm.