The VC men's basketball team fell behind early and could not find their way back Saturday in their 77-56 defeat against Allan hancock at the Athletic Event Center. Kevin Hymes had 13 points and three assists to lead the Pirates and Jeremiah Wilson totaled 12 in the setback. Isaiah Dudley netted nine points and recorded a team-best five rebounds.
Hymes hit a three from Elijah Brown's assist at the 18:06 mark of the first half to put Ventura ahead 3-2. It was all Hancock from that point, however, as the Bulldogs went on a 14-0 run over the next four minutes to take control of the game. Brown hit a three to end the Pirate skid and Kam'Ron Cigar hit a jumper with 12:51 o the clock to make it 17-8. Cigar scored a three at the 10:40 mark to pull VC to within 19-11 before AHC scored the next 16 points while holding VC scoreless for seven minutes of game time. The Pirates trailed 37-17 at halftime.
Ventura was un able to make any headway in the second half, falling behind by as many as 32 points, 59-27, midway through the period. They did not give up the fight, however, and kept battling throughout the game. Wilson scored a bucket, two free throws, another field goal and one more charity shot in the next four minutes of play. Dudley and Hymes sandwiched a bucket and a three around a Hancock field goal to pull within 64-42 with 5:26 remaining. Dudley and Hymes scored back-to back baskets and Wilson scored a 3-point play in the final minute of play.
The Pirates will be back in action on Wednesday Jan. 29 at Oxnard College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.