Late free throws were the key as the Moorpark Raiders edged over crosstown rivals the Ventura Pirates 79-76.

The Raiders got off to a strong start leading 10-2 benefiting from forced turnovers and points in the paint.

“When we’re at home, we hit first, and that’s what we were able to do tonight,” said Jeremiah Gray, freshman forward.

The Raiders kept up the high pace throughout the game, and were able to slow it down when they got into their half court motion offense. The kept the pressure up and marched into halftime with a 36-31 lead.

“The message at half time was to get defensive rebounds,” said coach Gerred Link. “We needed to stop giving up offensive boards.”

The Raiders got into some foul trouble early in the second half, but forward Brandon Hill was able to come in, dig down on defense and find his open teammates in the paint for easy buckets.

“I was really relaxed and calm, and was able to think about nothing but basketball,” said Hill, the former Oak Park Eagle.

The Raiders lost the lead once, which came six minutes into the second half. However, the Raiders came down on their next possession and Gray hit a three pointer to get the crowd on their feet.

“That was just trusting in my shot, and staying confident,” said Gray. “I put up 500 shots a day, so that definitely helped.”

Late free throws sealed the deal against the Pirates, and the Raiders were able to walk away improving their record to 13-10 on the season and 3-3 in the conference.

“We didn’t hit free throws for 38 minutes but when we needed them, we were able to make them,” said Link.

The win helps the Raiders on their quest for the playoffs. Their next game is Jan. 31 against Allan Hancock College at 3 p.m. on Campus Road.