Ventura Rallies Past Moorpark 90-85 Behind Smith, Wigington

The Ventura College men's basketball team used a dominant second half and a pair of 26-point performances from Jerimiyah Smith and Snookey Wigington to rally past Moorpark 90-85 on Wednesday. The Pirates erased a four-point halftime deficit, outscoring the Raiders 47-38 after the break to secure the five-point road win. Kevin Anigbogu and Baron Bellamy contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, in the match up of the top two teams in the Western State Conference North Division.

Moorpark controlled much of the first half, shooting efficiently and building a 47-43 lead at the break. VC, however, stayed within striking distance by attacking the paint and the offensive glass, setting the stage for a momentum swing in the final 20 minutes.

After halftime, Ventura's pressure in the lane and on the backboards changed the game. The Pirates finished with a 46-28 rebounding advantage, including 23 offensive rebounds that led to 23 second-chance points. Ventura also produced a 42-30 edge in points in the paint, steadily wearing down Moorpark's interior defense. While Moorpark maintained its shooting efficiency, Ventura generated more possessions and converted at the free-throw line, going 27-for-36 (75 percent).

Smith anchored VC's attack with a double-double, totaling 26 points and 10 rebounds on 9-for-15 shooting from the floor. Wigington matched him with 26 points of his own, adding seven assists, five rebounds and a 10-for-12 performance at the foul line while playing all 40 minutes. The backcourt leader helped orchestrate Ventura's second-half surge, balancing scoring with playmaking as the Pirates steadily overtook the Raiders.

Ventura also received a key boost from Anigbogu, who scored 13 points in 17 minutes and went 4-for-6 from the field and 5-for-6 at the line. Anigbogu added three blocks, anchoring the Pirates' interior defense as they tightened up down the stretch. VC finished with four blocks and five steals as a team, limiting Moorpark's ability to get easy looks at the rim in the closing minutes.

With the victory, Ventura moves two games ahead of the Raiders in the standings with four games remaining. The Pirates next host Santa Barbara on Saturday Feb. 7 with tip-off scheduled for 3:00 pm.