The Moorpark College men’s basketball team improved its overall record to 5-12, with their 75-66 win over Cuesta College last Wednesday night. The Raiders conference record improved to 1-1 with the win.

Coming out from their bye week, the Raiders welcomed the first-place Cougars with the game’s first points. From then on the Raiders maintained a safe lead throughout the whole game.

Sophomore guard, Coltrane Powdrill, who finished the game with 23 points, took control of the first half with 8 points in the first 7 minutes of play.

“Our main focus coming into the game was to stay disciplined,” said Coltrane. “We needed to take care of the ball on defense.”

Moorpark’s biggest lead of the first half came in the last minute when they were ahead by 9 points.

However, the Cougars entered half time with the game’s momentum because they knocked down a last second shot, bringing their deficit to within 7 points. The score at halftime was Moorpark College 30, Cuesta College, 23.

The Raiders came out for the second half focused and driven to finish the game strong.

“Don’t let up, jump on them, and most importantly stay aggressive” said Powdrill.

Cuesta would start the second half with the ball. The two teams shared a pair of baskets in the opening minutes but it was sophomore guard Steven Brodie knocking down a 3-pointer that would help usher  the momentum back in favor of the Raiders, extending their lead to ten. From then on the two teams would go back-and-forth scoring, but the Raider’s offense was just too dominant for Cuesta’s defense.

With under a minute left to go in regulation, the Raiders took a 72-64 lead. Cuesta then fouled sophomore guard Minas Yanku. Yanku converted the two free throws that sealed the game.

“Getting a win at home definitely gives us the confidence we need to propel us into our next game,” said Powdrill. “Our ultimate goal is to win league.”

 The Raider’s next home game is on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 at Raider Pavilion at 7 p.m..