MEN'S BASKETBALL: It was sophomore night at the Athletic Event Center Wednesday, as the Pirates were playing their final regular season contest of the 2013-14 season. And it was VC's sophomores, Ivan Dooley, Jon McMurry, Anthony Morman and Dennis Savoy who led the Pirates to a 69-64 win over College of the Canyons, preserving Ventura's chance to share the Western State Conference title for the second year in a row. Dooley netted 20 points and McMurry had 18 points with 10 rebounds for the Pirates (16-11, 9-2).
VC led a majority of the night, however, their biggest lead would never get above seven points. A back and forth first half was highlighted by strong play from Savoy who came off the bench to shoot 4-4 from the floor and knock down two free throws to lead all scorers with 10 first half points. The Pirates led by six points with just over two minutes to play before the Cougars went on a 5-0 run to pull to within one heading into intermission, 34-33.
The second half was also characterized by strong play from Pirate sophomores Dooley and McMurry. In the final 20 minutes Dooley hit 15 of his game-high 20 points and McMurry scored 14 of his 18. The Pirates stayed in control for most of the half, but could never pull away from Canyons. Even with a seven point Ventura advantage with three minutes remaining, CoC found a way to pull to within three points with under a minute o the clock. Pirate free throws down the stretch sealed the victory.
Ivan Dooley scored his 20 points on just nine field goal attempts and McMurry had his third-straight double-double. Savoy added six boards to his 10 points while Vondel Faniel and Jalen Young had eight and seven points respectively, Young also grabbed eight rebounds for the Pirates.
Ventura remains a half game back of Cuesta College, who completed their regular season on Wednesday night with a victory over Moorpark. The Pirates will look to take a share of the conference title at Moorpark on Saturday Feb. 22. Tip-off at Raider Pavilion is scheduled for 7:00 pm and can be heard live online on the VC Men's Sports Network.