In Moorpark’s final home game of the year, they took on Cuesta College. Moorpark was looking for vengeance in this matchup, as earlier in the season Cuesta took the 94-90 victory against them.

Cuesta was able to get off to a hot start in the first half, as with 12 minutes left they secured a 27-15 lead over Moorpark. Cuesta freshman forward Juani Dassie was a key part of his team’s success early on, as he was able to gain momentum and score many of their first-half points.

Moorpark was able to come back, however, as they were able to bring it to 25-29 with 8 minutes left.

Moorpark freshman guard Angel Hammer in particular had a stellar first half, as he made some exceptional passes and tough shots to keep his team in the game.

“My game plan for tonight was to just get my teammates involved and be the best point guard I could be,” said Hammer. “I think in the first half we weren’t as focused mentally and that showed in our performance, in the second half I think we stepped it up a lot more.”

As the first half came to a close, Cuesta held a 50-43 lead over Moorpark and was looking to continue their success in the second half.

The second half saw more of the same from the first half, as both teams went back and forth and the game was kept close throughout. With 6:29 left however, Moorpark freshman forward Ben Condra was able to hit a go-ahead three-point shot, which really got the crowd and team going.

With 2:07 left on the clock, Moorpark was looking to close the game out with a victory as they were able to obtain a 76-73 lead.

However, with two seconds left and the score tied 77-77, Cuesta freshman guard Darryl Brooks II was able to drain a last-second three-pointer to give his team an 80-77 lead, and ultimately the win.

“There was about eight seconds left and my team put their trust in me,” said Brooks. “When I got the ball I was trying to look for something early, and I just trusted my instincts and skills and pulled up from three hoping it would go in.”

After the game, Moorpark head coach Keith Higgins provided some comments on the team’s game plan and performance.

“I think our game plan all game was to get physical with them and limit their three-pointers,” said Higgins. “That didn’t work out too well in the first half for us, but I think in the second half we were able to be a lot more energetic and physical to limit their shots. We just need to play more like we did in that second half for the whole game.”

Moorpark’s last game of the season was on Friday, Feb. 18 at Santa Barbara City College, in which they won by a score of 84-81. They finished the season with a 13-15 record.