The Ventura College Pirates dominated the Moorpark College Raiders in every sense of the word on Saturday, Jan. 17 with a final score of 78-52.

The Pirates came into the game 16-1 overall with a 1-1 record in the Western State Conference North. The Raiders came into the matchup 12-7 overall, sporting a 2-1 record in conference play.

The game was played with gusto and high intensity mainly on the defensive side of the ball for the Pirates.

The first two possessions for the Raiders consisted of a 35-second shot clock violation, and then in the next play, a full court press, leading them to cough the ball back up to the Pirates.

Going into half time, the Pirates had the 12 point upper hand with a score of 42-30.

The Pirates wasted no time coming out in the second half to prove that they had the game in control.
Three minutes and 49 seconds in to the second half, the Pirates had taken the lead all the way up to a 17 point lead, with the score being 50-33.

With just 4:49 remaining in the game the Pirates put up a 27 point lead which was ultimately the biggest lead of the game for either side.

The Pirates defense shined bright in the second half as they held the Raiders to only 22 points.

The Raiders and Pirates both shared game high scoring totals of 14. For the Raiders, freshmen guard BJ Wortham posted 14 points. The Pirates freshmen forward Randy Hunter posted his 14 respectively for his side.

After the 26 point blowout the Raiders fall to 12-8 overall, and 2-2 in conference play, and return home next Saturday to face Santa Barbara City College with tip off set for 5 p.m.

As for the Pirates, they continue to show the hot hand as they win their second straight and improve their record to 17-6 overall with a 2-1 record in conference play. The Raiders are set to travel to Santa Barbara City College on Wednesday, with game time set for 5 p.m.