Pirates Fall in WPH Semifinal

MEN'S BASKETBALL:  Committing 30 turnovers in the game, the Ventura College men's basketball team was on the short end of a 20-6 run over the final nine minutes of the game, falling 69-53 to Pasadena City College Friday in the semifinals of the We Play Hard Tip-Off Tournament. Jon McMurry led VC with 15 poins and seven rebounds while Vondel Faniel and Jalen Young each added 10 points. Faniel lead all Pirates with eight boards.

The Pirates jumped out to a 13-6 advantage seven minutes into the contest, forcing the Lancers to shoot from the outside, where they had very little success early on. PCC shot 4-13 from 3-point land on the night, but remained patient, attacking on the offensive glass. The Pirates took their lead out seven, 29-22, with four minutes left in the first half behind a strong start from sophomore wing, McMurry, who netted 13 of his team high 15 points in the period. VC took a 33-29 lead into the break, managing only four points over the final four minutes of the half. The Pirates were held in check thanks in large part to 15 first half turnovers.

Shakey ball control continued for VC into the second half, as they failed to put together a solid run that wasn't halted by mistakes and turnovers. Ventura took a 47-40 lead with 11 minutes left, however, Pasadena counter punched with a 9-0 run, taking an advantage they would not relinquish. The Pirates managed only six points in the game's final nine minutes as the Lancers finished on 20-6 run. VC fell by a final score of 69-53.

Ventura will play Orange Coast on Saturday Nov. 9 at 3:00 pm in the tournament's third-place game at the Athletic Event Center.