Hancock Men Fall 85-75 at Ventura to Open Second Half of WSC Play

Nolan Willett scored a career-high 19 points to lead a trio of Bulldogs with 14 or more points, but the Allan Hancock College men's basketball fell 85-75 at first place Ventura College Saturday to open the second half of conference play. The Bulldogs dropped to 2-4 in Western State Conference play and 12-14 on the season. The Pirates improved to 5-1 in league and 14-11 on the season. 

Willett made 9-of-14 shots overall to finish with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Sophomore Marcellus Garrick finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Garrick hit 5-of-10 from the field, including a 3-for-4 effort from 3-point range. He sank all five of his free throws. Sophomore Kevawn Lord hit all seven of his free throws to finish with 14 points and five rebounds.

Freshman Erik Kinnebrew finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists for the Bulldogs.

The first 20 minutes of the game included several lead changes. Willett hit all six of his shots, including one 3-pointer in the first half. Hancock trailed 36-35 at halftime thanks to 13 points from Willett, and six from Deon Whiteside.

The Pirates opened the second half on the 15-4 run to build a 51-39 lead and they looked back.

Overall, Hancock shot 47 percent from the field and 50 percent (6-for-12) from 3-point range. The Bulldogs hit 15 of their 17 free throws or 88 percent. Hancock committed 20 turnovers that led to 26 Ventura points. On the flip side, the Pirates committed nine turnovers that resulted into three Hancock points.

Cordel Hanckerson came off the bench to score a game-high 23 points. Isiah Reyes added 20 points, and Vida Faniel poured in 18 for the Pirates.

The Bulldogs will return to action Wednesday, February 8, when they host Moorpark at 5 p.m. during the 3^rd annual Carney's Coaches vs. Cancer. All ticket, commemorative t-shirt, and snack bar sales will go to the Mission Hope Cancer Center, which assists local residents battling cancer. A special presentation will take place during halftime when Hancock will present a check to the Mission Hope Cancer Center. Donations also can be made directly to Carney's Coaches vs. Cancer on crowdfunding.hancockcollege.edu