Men's Basketball Wins at Compton

The VC men's basketball team continued its strong season Wednesday with an 83-65 victory at Compton. Jerimiyah Smith had another outstanding performance with 23 points on 9-11 shooting from the floor, including a pair of 3-pointers. Kam'Ron Cigar scored 14 points and Jeremiah Wilson netted 13. Snookey Wigington recorded nine points and handed out six assists in the victory for the Pirates (10-3).

Smith started his hot night with a bucket on the opening possession of the game. Cigar made a lay-up and Kevin Anigbogu scored on a dunk after a Wigington steal for a quick 6-1 Ventura advantage. The Coyotes came back, however, and took a 13-11 lead with 14:13 remaining in the first half. The teams battled for the next 10 minutes with six lead changes and five ties before Smith's jumper at the 4:19 mark put VC ahead 30-28. The Pirates closed the half on a 10-2 run to hold a 38-30 lead at halftime.

After the break, Baron Bellamy hit a three and a two for a 46-35 Ventura lead. Wilson sank five straight free throws to extend the lead to 53-39 at the 11:58 mark. Wigington and Cigar each made lay-ups and Tong Tong cleaned up an offensive rebound for two and the Pirates led 61-43 with 8:49 remaining. Cigar then scored back-to-back buckets and Smith nailed a three to complete a 13-2 VC run, resulting in a 24-point Pirate margin at the 7:51 mark. Compton never threatened down the stretch.

Tong led the Pirates' glass attack with six rebounds and Smith had five boards in the game. Anigbogu, Wilson and Elijah Brown all pulled in four caroms. Wigington also had six steals in the outing.

Ventura will next travel to Long Beach on Friday Dec. 19 for a 5:00 pm date with the Vikings.