Turnovers are costly in 79-62 setback

SBCC had 21 turnovers leading to 27 points on Saturday night and Ventura took advantage to post a 79-62 men's basketball win.

The Pirates (21-8, 9-1) clinched the WSC North title, beating Hancock by one game. Aaron Mejia had 11 points and four rebounds for the Vaqueros (1-22, 0-10).

Jerard O'Byrne added 11 points and Francisco Gutierrez had 10 points and five rebounds. Ryan Smith pitched in with nine points and nine boards. Donald Grant scored all nine of his points in the first half on 4-4 shooting.

The Vaqueros led 11-9 before Ventura took control with a 19-6 run that gave them a 28-17 lead. The Pirates were up 38-29 at the half.

Ventura's 6-6 forward Darrell Handy-Johnson hit 12-15 field goals and led all scorers with 24 points.

The Pirates outshot the Vaqueros 50 to 42.9% and won the rebound battle, 38-31. They also had a big advantage on points in the paint, 52-28.