Varney Hits Buzzer-Beater, Bulldogs Stun Pierce 70-68

Josh Varney hit a 14-foot jumper at the buzzer to deliver a thrilling 70-68 victory for the Allan Hancock College men's basketball team at L.A. Pierce on Saturday night.

The Bulldogs trailed by seven midway through the second half before staging their second comeback of the season against the Brahmas. Hancock evened its Western State Conference record at 5-5 and moved to 14-13 overall. L.A. Pierce dropped to 3-8 in league and 9-18 for the season.

Varney was one of five Bulldogs to reach double figures in points. Isaiah Hicks led Hancock with 13 points and six rebounds. Varney and DJ Billingsley scored 12 points apiece, while Kadeem Minor added 11 points. Lamar Clinton came off the bench to pour in 10 points. 

Freshman point guard Andre Miller added seven points and 10 assists. 

Hancock posted a 49.1 percent field goal percentage (26 for 53), despite making just 20 percent (3 for 15) of its 3-point shots. L.A. Pierce made 24 of its 58 shots from the floor (41.4%), but hit nine 3-point buckets on 15 attempts (60%). 

Pierce held the rebounding advantage 31 to 24. Terrel Funches led Piere with 27 points on 11 for 21 shooting. Rodney Walters added 17 points and seven assists. 

Hancock returns to action on Wednesday, Feb.19, in its final home game of the season. The Bulldogs host Santa Barbara with the women to play at 5 p.m., and the men at 7 p.m.