The VC men's basketball team did not have a pleasant trip to San Luis Obispo Tuesday night, dropping an 85-65 decision to host Cuesta College. Dayveon Bates had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Tone Patton and Jelani Bell added 14 and 12 points, respectively, but Ventura (16-11, 7-2) could not overcome the hot shooting by the Cougars. With the loss, the Pirates fall into a first place tie in the Western State Conference North Division standings with Cuesta and Allan Hancock College.
The Pirates got down early and could not find a way back, despite their best efforts. Throughout the first half, VC made a run at the Cougars, only to be turned back. Cuesta led 44-34 at halftime.
The second half was more of the same for Ventura as Cuesta was able to increase their advantage, posting the 85-65 final margin.
The Cougars made 52 percent of their field goal attempts (27-52) and 48 percent from beyond the 3-point line (13-27). The Pirates, conversely, were limited to 40 percent shooting (25-62) and just 21 percent from beyond the arc (3-14). VC held a 32-27 rebound advantage and the turnovers wee even at 14 each.
Timothy Turner totaled nine points and four assists for the Pirates in the effort while Lamont Landers came off the bench to add eight.
The Pirates will host Moorpark in their regular season finale on Friday Feb. 22. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 pm at the Athletic Event Center.