Ventura Captures WSC Opener at LA Pierce

The VC men's basketball team used a 21-4 run midway through the first half to take control of the game, capturing their Western State Conference opener 85-60 at Los Angeles Pierce Wednesday. Jerimiyah Smith led five players in double-figures with 17 points and 12 rebounds and Snookey Wigington produced a double-double of 14 points and 12 assists to lead VC (14-3, 1-0). Kam'Ron Cigar, Dabe Princewill and Jeremiah Wilson scored 14, 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Brahmas took a 16-7 advantage with 15:29 remaining in the opening period before the Pirates went on their decisive run. Elijah Brown hit a 3-pointer and Smith scored two with a dunk to start the streak. Tong Tong answered a Pierce score with his own deuce followed by a three by Wilson and a steal and lay-up by Wigington for a 19-18 VC lead at the 11 minute mark. 

Wigington scored another two on the next trip down the floor and assisted a lay-up by Princewill in response to a pair of Brahma free shots. Wigington scored two more and Princewill hit from range for a 28-20 margin for the Pirates with 8:50 on the clock to conclude the run. LAPC closed back to within a single point in the final two minutes of play before Tong's free throws gave Ventura a 36-33 halftime edge.

Ventura opened the final stanza with a 9-2 run capped by a two and a three from Cigar. The Brahmas stayed close for a while, but VC pulled away midway through the period in posting the 25-point win.

VC shot 46 percent from the floor in the game, 31-67, and connected on nine of 25 shots from downtown.  They also nailed 14 of 16 free throws and dominated the boards, 49-29.

The Pirates next will return home on Saturday Jan. 10, hosting cross-county rival Moorpark at 3:00 pm.