Racing out to an 11 point lead at halftime, the VC men's basketball team held off Cuyamaca College down the stretch, posting a 65-64 victory in the consolation semifinals of the Irvine Valley Classic on Friday. Robert Hunt nailed eight 3-pointers en route to 27 points and Eric Davis added 16 points in the win.
For the second straight night, VC jumped out to an early advantage behind solid defense and quick pace on offense. Hunt's hot hand and 14 first half points helped the Pirates build an 11 point lead at the break, 35-24. Davis added seven first-half points. The Pirates' rebound advantage of 31-13 also contributed to VC lead.
As good as the Pirates looked in the opening period, they once again hit a lull in the second half allowing Cuyamaca back in the game. It took just six minutes for the Coyotes to even the score, and thre two teams went back-and-forth for the remainder of the contest.
The game came down to the final possession with the score tied at 64-64. VC's Hunt was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 5.5 seconds left on the clock, and headed to the free throw line for three shots. He only converted one, but it was enough for the Pirates to hang on amidst a failed last attempt from Cuyamaca.
Jamal Lewis had a solid all-around game with eight points, seven boards and 10 assists for Ventura (5-3) while Vondel Faniel added 11 rebounds.
VC will take on Santa Monica in the consolation final of the tournament on Saturday Nov. 22 at 12:00 pm in Irvine.