BBK: Ventura takes Channel League opener from Dons

Emilio Gonzalez’s 23 points weren’t enough for Santa Barbara High’s boys basketball team on Wednesday as the Dons fell to the Cougars 60-57 in the Channel League opener for both teams.

“We shot the ball well outside of the key but could not come up with enough stops defensively in the 4th quarter,” reported Dons assistant coach Andy Gil.

It was the first loss of the season for Santa Barbara, now 4-1 overall, 0-1 in league play. Ventura improves to 4-5, 1-0.

Santa Barbara led 43-38 heading into the fourth quarter but allowed Ventura to score 22 points in the final eight minutes to steal the victory.

The Dons’ next contest is on Friday vs. Nipomo in the opening round of the Bashore Holiday Cage Classic.