February 17, 2011
Playoffs in Sight for Men's Basketball Team
At 8-3 with one game left in the regular season, the Allan Hancock College men’s basketball team is tied for first place in the Western State Conference. For the Bulldogs that means that for the first time in more than a decade the team is within striking distance of a conference title and a trip to the playoffs.
“We’ve played some of the best teams in the state and have won 12 out of our last 15 games,” said head coach Ralph Gorton. “Our players are ready and able to compete at the next level.”
The Bulldogs needed a win against Santa Barbara City College on Wednesday, Feb. 16 and they got it, taking down the Vaqueros 82-66. At the same time, Oxnard College lost a close game to Los Angeles Pierce 91-93, bringing both team’s records to 8-3, opening up the possibility for the two teams to share a conference title.
The Hancock men’s basketball team has come a long way since opening up the season with a seven game losing streak. A win against Santa Barbara City College started the team’s turnaround, followed by a strong showing at the team’s own Holiday Classic Tournament in December. The Bulldogs are currently on a four game winning streak headed into Saturday.
“The men’s basketball program has done a complete 180, going from the bottom of the conference all the way to the top, thanks to the efforts of our players and the entire coaching staff,” said Kim Ensing, athletic director.
Returning players have revamped their game and new players have contributed greatly to the team’s success. The Bulldogs boast the top scorer in the conference, center Ali Langford and current Western State Conference Athlete of the Week Jordan Dina. Langford also leads the state in rebounds with 329 total, an average of 13.2 a game.
Hancock hosts Los Angeles Pierce in the team’s last regular season game on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. Los Angeles Pierce is currently 5-6 in conference play. The last times the two teams met Hancock came away with a 78-70 win.
“We’re one of the best teams in the south,” coach Gorton said, “and we’re ready to play.”