L.A. Valley tops cold-shooting Vaqueros 68-55

SBCC made just 20.7 percent from the field in the second half on Friday and L.A. Valley rallied for a 68-55 men's basketball victory in the consolation semifinals of the Ventura Tournament.

The Vaqueros (0-2) outshot the Monarchs 39.4 to 25 percent in the opening half when they built a 31-25 lead. After going up by eight early in the second half, the Vaqueros were outscored 16-1 as Valley surged ahead 43-36.

Sophomore center Thomas Walker led the Vaqueros with 15 points and nine rebounds. He was 7-15 from the field but made just 1-7 from the free-throw line. The Vaqueros struggled from the charity stripe for the second straight game, making 13-27 for 48.1 percent.

"We took some bad shots in the second half and we didn't punch it inside when we had the chance," said coach Morris Hodges. "The free throws were a big part of the problem. We've been shooting them in practice but we'll be shooting a lot more now and in different situations."

SBCC was whistled for 27 fouls and three players fouled out, including guards Ty Cleland and Sean Keyes midway through the second half.

Alex Koutroubis added eights points and six rebounds and Cleland had seven points.

Valley had a slim shooting advantage (31 to 30 percent) but outscored the Vaqueros 25-13 at the foul line, making 25 of 34.

 The Vaqueros will play in the Fullerton Tournament next week, opening against Chaffey on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.