Moorpark College hosted its third annual Coaches vs. Cancer event on Feb. 9 in a basketball double header against the Allan Hancock College Bulldogs. The men’s final score was 77-80 Bulldogs, and the women’s final score was 73-38 Raiders.
Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams competed in the event held in Raider Pavilion. Besides the action on the court, the event featured a bake sale as well as a raffle.
A cancer survivor wall was displayed to show respect to the loved ones of those in attendance. Before each game the players each presented a rose to a loved one, honoring them in their battles with cancer.
Athletic Director Howard Davis said the proceeds from Coaches vs. Cancer go to a good cause.
“We are one of 55 community colleges that host a Coaches vs. Cancer event and we all pool the money we raise and present a check to the American Cancer Society at the state championships in March” said Howard.
Diane Costabile, the athletic office administrator at Moorpark College, assisted in organizing the event and said that the event has been a success in the past.
“This is the third year we’ve done it and the last two years we’ve been number one in the state so it’s pretty exciting” Costabile said.
Though the event was a success, the same cannot be said for the MC men’s team. The Raiders enjoyed a strong lead early in the night ending the first half with a 17 point lead. Their comfortable lead began to shrink rapidly in the second half.
Raiders CenterJordanGarrett said the team had a more successful first half compared to the second.
“We just said you know what we don’t have a whole lot to lose so lets steal one at home” said Garett. “We played like we wanted to get the W tonight so it felt good in the first half but the second half is a different story.”
Garrett led his team in scoring, putting up an impressive 28 points in the paint.
Their shrinking lead coupled with a high turnover rate resulted in the Raiders falling to the Bulldogs.
The women’s team faired much better against Allan Hancock. The Raiders lead the Bulldogs by at least 30 points throughout the entire game. The landslide victory though impressive, did not make for a closely contested game. Riley Abraham led the team in scoring with 19 points, 11 rebounds and four steals.
MC basketball will face L.A. Pierce College in the Raider Pavilion on Wednesday at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Organizers will donate all of its proceeds to the American Cancer Society.
