BBK: Royals move past Cougars

San Marcos’ boys basketball team put it together when it needed to on Wednesday night as the Royals played their best down the stretch to beat Ventura 53-43.

The victory keeps the Royals in first place with a record of 7-2. Ventura is 2-8.

The Cougars led 35-34 entering the final quarter but then gave up 18 points to the Royals in the last eight minutes. Bryce Ridenour came alive for San Marcos, scoring eight of his nine points in the quarter.

Kevin Hempy led the Royals with 12 points and nine rebounds. Uriel Hurtado totaled eight points and six rebounds while making four of five shots.

The Royals host Dos Pueblos in their next game on Friday.