After a month on the road, SBCC will make its home men’s basketball debut on Thursday in the 38th annual SBCC Classic at the Sports Pavilion.
“It’s exciting to finally get the chance to play at home,” said head coach Morris Hodges. “The guys have been working hard this week and they’re really looking forward to it.”
The Vaqueros (3-7) will open against West L.A. (3-4) at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Other first-round games pit Hancock against Cypress at 3 p.m.; Victor Valley vs. L.A. Valley at 5 p.m. and Oxnard against defending champion Barstow at 9 p.m.
Barstow, ranked 10th in Southern California and 18th in the state, is off to a 7-1 start.
Sophomore forward Richard Somdah leads Santa Barbara in scoring (16.5) and rebounding (5.3) but his status is questionable due to an injury. Former San Marcos High standout Chris Vines averages 14.5 points, 4.6 boards and 2.9 steals and guard Steven Saenz has raised his average to 12.8 after four straight 20-point games.
Last Saturday, SBCC dropped a 74-72 overtime decision to Santa Rosa in the consolation final of the Monterey Bay Classic.
“We need to defend better,” said Hodges. “Our shot selection improved this past weekend. We just need to be more consistent defensively, take care of the basketball and have better shot selection.”
SBCC has won the Classic eight times, most recently in 2006.
The championship semifinals will take place at 7 & 9 p.m. on Friday. Saturday will feature three finals — consolation at 3 p.m.; third place at 5 p.m. and championship at 7 p.m.
