Vaqueros Suffer Narrow Loss to Pierce College

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – For the third time this season, the Vaqueros had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final second of the game. For the third time, the ball took an unforgiving bounce off the rim as Santa Barbara City College fell to Pierce College, 63-62, on Saturday.

The Vaqueros jumped out to an early lead, heading into halftime with a 31-20 advantage. James Reach and Finn Whipps each scored seven points to lead the early offense. Nick Tjaden contributed four points and four assists, while Ramon Cota added four points, four rebounds, and three assists.

The Brahmas made halftime adjustments that ignited their offensive play, with nine players scoring in the second half.

Santa Barbara relied on Will Pace's post play to stay in the game, as the sophomore scored 12 points in the second half. Phoenix White provided his usual stifling defense in an effort to slow Pierce College's attack.

In the game's final second, the Vaqueros went to the free throw line down by one. Unfortunately, they missed both opportunities, suffering their second straight loss on a ball bouncing out of the rim as time expired.

Pace finished as the leading scorer for the Vaqueros with 14 points. Reach added 12 points, and Cota recorded 10 points and six rebounds. Tjaden tallied seven assists and two steals, while White and Joe Ursich each contributed five points off the bench.

Santa Barbara is now 7-13 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

The Vaqueros will travel to Allan Hancock on Wednesday.