The San Marcos boys basketball team led for most of its game at Ventura, but late free throws for the Cougars led to a 41-40 victory for the defending Channel League champs.
Cade Ridenour was the game’s leading scorer with 13 points. The senior shot 5-8 from the field and grabbed seven rebounds.
The Royals held the lead until deep into the fourth quarter, when senior captain Thayer White fouled and Ventura gained momentum.
The Cougars got to the free throw line 10 times in the final period and made seven of their shots. Late free throws by Gage Henley and Ikaika Batausa sealed the victory for Ventura.
San Marcos lost to the Cougars 45-34 in Goleta earlier this season.
The Royals dropped to 3-3 in the Channel League and will play next on Friday at home against Buena.
BOX SCORE:
San Marcos 40 (10 13 10 7)
Ridenour, B 6
Douglas 2
Ridenour, Ca 13
Ridgway 2
Hempy 5
Ridenour, Ch 8
White 4
FG 14
3 ptrs 3 ( 2 Ridenour, Ch, Ridenour, Ca)
FT 9-12
Fouls 17
Fouled Out White
Ventura 41 (4 14 8 15)
Batausa 7
Henley 9
Carrao 3
Rudolph 7
Neary 12
Norman 3
FG 14
3 ptrs 3(Batausa, Carrao, Rudolph)
FT 10-17
Fouls 14
Fouled out none
