BULLDOGS HOLD OFF LATE COMEBACK BY MOORPARK TO GO 2-1 IN CONFERENCE

Hancock College Men's Basketball knock down clutch free-throws to avoid a late comeback by the Moorpark College Raiders Saturday afternoon.

The Moorpark College Men's basketball program came into the contest with a record of 10-10 but were undefeated in conference with a record of 2-0.

The Bulldogs were coming off of a devastating loss to Ventura, squandering a 16-point lead in the 2^nd half to lose by just one point at home.

The Raiders came out hot from the jump ball, hitting 3 three-pointers and a layup to take an early 11-2 lead at the 16 minute mark of the first half.

The Bulldogs full-court press overwhelmed Moorpark, forcing them into a number of turnovers.

A run by the Bulldogs, led by sophomore forward Spirit Ricks and sophomore guard Glenn Jordan, pushed the Bulldogs ahead, 18-31 with just under 8 minutes in the half.

Jordan hit 2 more three-pointers and was accompanied by a three by freshman guard Mike Mensah just before the end of the half to give the Bulldogs a commanding lead of 32-48.

The second half would look all too familiar to the Bulldogs. Forced shots, costly turnovers, and hot shooting by the opponent saw the Bulldogs lead sliced to just 2-points with :08 seconds on the game clock.

Forced to foul, Moorpark sent sophomore guard Diego Lucas to the line, who calmly knocked down both free-throws.

One last three-point attempt by the Raiders fell short. The Bulldogs avoid another comeback, winning 79-83.

The Bulldogs were led by a big game from Ricks, who finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Jordan finished the match with 5 three-pointers and 17 points. Mensah would have an impact off of the bench, knocking down 3 three-pointers and going 4-4 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points.

The Bulldogs are now 17-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

They welcome Santa Barbara College this Wednesday. Tip-off is at 5pm.