Men's Basketball Takes Hard-Fought win over Canyons

The VC men's basketball team came away with a hard-fought 91-86 victory over Canyons Thursday evening on the first day of the 4-team Irvine Valley Classic. Jeremiah Wilson netted 26 points and Christian Aukuso dropped 23 with 10 boards to lead the way for the Pirates (3-0). Jerimiyah Smith also had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Snookey Wigington recorded 12 points with nine assists.

Ventura opened up a 10-point advantage, 25-15, with 7:15 remaining in the first half on a lay-up by Wilson and Kevin Anigbogu's dunk upped the lead to an even dozen. COC scored 12 of the next 16 points, however, and closed to within 32-27 three minutes later. The Pirates quickly righted the ship as Wigington hit from downtown to expand the margin back to double figures, 37-27. VC led 43-31 with 1"56 on the clock before the Cougars closed the half on a 6-2 run.

COC continued their run in the second half, taking a 59-52 lead over the Pirates at the 14:32 mark. Baron Bellamy hit a three to end the skid and Aukuso's lay-up off a Smith assist tied the game at 65 with 8:39 left to play. Wilson's lay-up at the 6:58 mark gave the Pirates the lead for good, 71-70, and Wigington's triple two minutes later gave VC an 80-72 edge. Wilson, Wigington and Aukuso each hit big shots down the stretch and Wigington's free throws sealed the 91-86 victory.

The Pirates advance to the Classic championship game on Friday Nov. 7 against Cerritos. Tip-off in Orange County is slated for 6:00 pm.