Santa Barbara started strong against Channel League-leading Ventura, but the Cougars took command in the second half and pulled away for a 51-41 boys basketball decision over the visiting Dons on Friday night.
A key to the win for Ventura was its advantage at the free-throw line. The Cougars shot 20 free throws and made 12 while Santa Barbara was 2-for-4.
“We came out and played hard,” Santa Barbara assistant coach Joseph Bregante said. “The difference was the free throws.”
Santa Barbara post player Teon West was in foul trouble for most of the game and eventually fouled out.
Angel Lopez and Sam Cohen scored 11 points to lead the Dons (11-9, 5-3). Lopez hit three 3-pointers.
Nick Rudolph scored 12 points and Gage Henley added 11 for Ventura (17-5, 8-0).
SANTA BARBARA — Fay 1, Busch 6, Wagonhurst 5, Lopez 11, Gonzalez 7, Cohen 11
VENTURA — Batausa 5, Gage Henley 11, Barrao 6, Gwin 4,Nick Rudolph 12, York 2, Conner Neary 11.
Santa Barbara…14 7 7 13 — 41
Ventura…8 14 14 15 — 51
3-point goals—SB: Wagonhurst, Lopez 3, Gonzalez 1. V: Batausa 1. Fouled out — West.
