Fausset turns on and drains Royals, 64-53

Nick Marquez scored 22 points Wednesday but the San Marcos boys basketball team couldn’t keep up with host Ventura in a 64-53 defeat.

“We didn’t defend Ventura’s half-court offense as well as we should have and (Ricky) Fausset was able to score when he wanted,” said Royals coach Jarrod Bradley. “I’m encouraged that we ran our half court offense better but we’ll need to continue to improve Friday to beat Buena at their place.”

Fausset scored 21 points for the Cougars and made all eight of his free throws. Chris Vines had six boards and Christian Mkpado grabbed five for the Royals, who trailed by three at 29-26 at the half.

VENTURA 64, SAN MARCOS 53

San Marcos….12 14 12 15 — 53

Ventura……….13 16 20 15 — 64

SAN MARCOS — Vines 7, Johnson 2, Marquez 22, Koopmans 6, Mkpado 6, Moore 5, Guild 5. Totals 22 3-6 53.

VENTURA — Batausa 12, Hauck 6, Faucett 21, Kelsch 1, Waxer 6, Tice 6, Garrett 4, Melonas 8. Totals 21 19-26 64.

3-point goals — SM 6 (Marquez 4, Moore, Guild), V 3 (Batausa 2, Faucett).

Team records — SM 11-10, 1-3, V 18-4, 4-0.