Dos Pueblos had a one-point lead with 50 seconds remaining but couldn’t hang on in Wednesday’s 40-37 road loss to Ventura in a matchup between two teams which many expect to be battling for the Channel League boys basketball crown.
Robert Vickers led the way with 19 points, but the Chargers committed 11 turnovers in the first half and fell behind 21-11 at the break.
“We can say we gave them only 21 points despite 11 turnovers, so I’m almost happy about that,” said coach Joe Zamora, who led the Chargers to an undefeated league campaign last season.
DP surged back and won the third quarter 20-4, but Ventura (14-3, 1-0) responded and had its nose in front at the finish line.
The Cougars got the ball on a 5-second violation by the Chargers in the final minute and scored to re-take the lead. DP missed a shot and was forced to foul, and afterwards couldn’t get the look the Chargers wanted to tie it up.
Malik Heptot was in foul trouble early for the Chargers (9-7, 0-1), which took away DP’s post presence for much of the game.
Zamora found the positives in his first Channel League loss since 2007.
“It’s a gut-check for us,” he said. “I told my guys that in league you just try to pick them off on the road and defend your home court. We’ve got a big target on our backs now, and I’m proud of my guys for never giving up.”
VENTURA 40, DOS PUEBLOS 37
DOS PUEBLOS — Miranda 2, Munoz 5, Renteria 2, Heptot 7, Vickers 19, Mestas 2. Totals 15 4-10 37.
VENTURA — Kindle 4, Batausa 12, Faucet 7, Anderson 2, Kelsch 2, Waxer 2, Tice 2, Garrett 2, Melonas 7. Totals 15 5-12 40.
Dos Pueblos…7 4 20 6 — 37
Ventura………..11 10 4 5 — 40
3-point goals—DP 1 (Muñoz), V 2 (Batausa 2).
Total fouls — DP 15, V 13.
