The VC men's basketball team used a strong second half to turn a one-point halftime deficit into a 14-point victory over Los Angeles Pierce Wednesday at the Athletic Event Center. Anthony Garza had a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds, Daniel Crocker totaled 21 points and Tony Njia came off the bench to score 18 to lead the Pirates to the 78-64 triumph. Garza also handed out six assists while Marcus Watson had three dimes with six steals and Michael Noulowe pulled in nine boards.
Ventura (20-6, 8-2) was unable to pull away from the winless Brahmas in the early going with the teams exchanging leads six times in the first seven minutes of play. A three by Njia and a steal and lay-up by Watson opened an 11-7 margin for VC with 13:12 remaining in the first half. The Pirates maintained the small lead until the game was tied at 17, 19 and 21 with LAPC taking a 24-21 advantage with a 3-point play at the 6:40 mark. Ventura retook the lead 31-30 on Crocker's lay-up assisted by Garza with 1:59 on the clock, but the Brahmas immediately re-took the lead, holding a 35-34 advantage at halftime.
Crocker gave the Pirates the lead for good, 42-39, on a n "and-1" with 17:17 left to play and a 14-0 run soon thereafter finally gave Ventura space on the scoreboard. With VC ahead 42-41 with 15:26 on the clock, Njia started the run cashing in Garza's dime for two. Crocker and Njia each made two free throws before Njia scored on another lay-up at the 14:05 mark. Crocker scored off another Garza helper, then followed it with another deuce from a Noulowe assist. Garza closed the run with 12:16 remaining in the game for a 56-41 lead for VC. The teams traded scores for the remainder of the contest with Jeroe Bidlow hitting a three in the final minute to set the 78-64 score.
Ventura will host Santa Barbara on Saturday Feb. 11 for their final regular season game of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm and will be preceded by a short ceremony honoring the team's sophomores.