Pirate sophomores Vida Faniel and Eddie Cowan led a fast start for the Ventura College men's basketball team, scoring or assisting the Pirates' first 18 points as VC raced to an 18-4 advantage over Allan Hancock College in their 78-59 victory in Santa Maria Saturday in the Western State Conference opener. Faniel finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds while Cowan totaled 14 points and eight assists for Ventura (10-10, 1-0).
Cowan got things started off right with a made jumper on the opening possession. After a Faniel steal, Cowan converted the fast break for a quick 4-0 lead. Following a Hancock bucket, Faniel nailed a 3-pointer, an inside jumper, and another triple off of Cowan's helper. Cowan then assisted a trey from Cordel Hankerson and VC led 15-2 less than five minutes into the action. After another Bulldog make, Cowan assisted Hankerson from range again to make the score 18-4. The Pirates cooled off a bit after that, but were still able to maintain the double-digit lead throughout the first half. Cowan assisted made field goals from Hankerson and Faniel to close the half as the Pirates led 44-25 at intermission.
Trevor LaCount played well to begin the second half, scoring 10 of the Pirates first 14 points. The Ventura lead reached 26 points soon thereafter as Cowan sank a deuce to make it 62-36 with 12:58 remaining in the game. The Pirates were never threatened the rest of the way, cruising to the 78-59 win.
LaCount scored 14 points for Ventura on 7-9 shooting from the floor and Hankerson netted 12 points with eight assists. VC shot 54 percent (32-59) from the floor on the night and 40 percent (8-10) from behind the 3-point arc.
Ventura continues WSC North Division play on Wednesday Jan. 18 at home against Cuesta. tip-off time is set for 5:00 pm with the Pirate women to follow at 7:00 pm. The game can be seen live on the VC Sports Network.