Although Jeremiah Gray tied it up for Moorpark to go into overtime, the last minute grasp was not enough for the Raiders to overcome LA Pierce on Wednesday, losing 78-81.

This loss puts the Raiders at a 18-8 record overall, with a 7-3 record in conference play. More importantly, the loss gives away the Raider’s first place position away as they now share a tie for 2nd place with Ventura College.

Reggie Dixon, a sophomore, was disappointed with his contribution to the game.

“I could have done better overall to help the team,” said Dixon. “It always sucks to lose, but especially in overtime when you are that close.”

Dixon was looking forward to bouncing back in the last two games before the playoffs started. “We are feeling pretty confident about these next couple games and the playoffs overall, just have to get business done” said Dixon, who added 13 points.

Jeremiah Gray, a sophomore, was clutch for the Raiders at the end of the 2nd half and moving into overtime, but had some issues with his performance.

“I think i did pretty well,” Gray said. “[I] could have played better defensively, contributed more with less turnovers,” Gray said. “Coming that close and losing is absolutely heart breaking.”

Gray said for the last two games of the season and going into playoffs that the team has to improve their chemistry.

“Overall we have to work on playing better as a team,” Gray said. “We can not let teams that can not play with us catch up with us,” Gray said.

Gray finished with 19 points, two of those points being a slam dunk that made the crowd vibrate, and the back board vibrate even harder.

Larry Bush, sophomore, led the team with 28 points.

The Raiders only have two games remaining in the regular season before the playoffs. They play away at Santa Barbara City College Feb. 13, and return to Raider Pavilion where they will play Cuesta College Feb. 20th at 5 p.m.