The Pirates' men's basketball team claimed the consolation championship at the Alvin Hunter Classic at San Bernardino Valley College with a 99-92 victory over College of the Desert Sunday Afternoon. Robert Hunt led VC (4-2) with 20 points on 7-10 shooting, including 6-8 from behind the 3-point line.
The game got off to a feverish pace, one that looked like the Pirates weren't ready for. Ventura fell behind 32-20 midway through the first half before they started to roll. Sparked by freshmen D'dante Freeman, Nathaniel Claxton and Hunt, the Pirates went on a 22-5 run to complete the half, taking a 42-37 lead into the break.
The teams maintained the pace in the second half and the Pirates remained in possession of the lead throughout. They kept the advantage in double figures most of the period, extending it as many as 17 points, 60-43, at the 13:26 mark of the half. Ventura held on down the stretch for the 99-92 victory.
The Pirates had nine players score five or points, paced by Hunt and Toure Atwater who finished with 20 and 17 points, respectively. Zach Gwin tallied 15 points while Vondel Faniel hit for 13. Claxton and Freeman each finished with eight.
Next up, the Pirates will spend the weekend at the Irvine Valley College Classic. Ventura will open with a familiar foe, College of the Canyons, on Thursday Nov. 20 at 4:00 pm.