Late-Game Surge Leads Men’s Basketball to Victory Over Antelope Valley

The No. 11 Riverside City College men's basketball team continued action in the Ventura College Tournament on Friday night by facing off against the Antelope Valley College Marauders. After the Tigers were gridlocked at 31-all with the Marauders entering into the second half, the Tigers outscored the Marauders 41-36 in the second half en route to a 72-67 victory.

Both teams were held scoreless throughout the first three minutes of the game until Antelope Valley struck first with a free throw. The Tigers hopped on the scoreboard a minute later after sophomore forward Kane Daniels (Blythe, CA) laid up two points off the glass. However, the Tigers would trail for a lengthy period until sophomore guard Andre Wilson (Corona, CA) hauled in an offensive rebound and set up Daniels for another layup to snag an early 13-11 advantage.

The back-and-forth affair continued as freshman forward Jordan Robinson (Riverside, CA) helped RCC maintain a one-point lead by hitting a jumper that was assisted by freshman center Javon Gibbs (Hertford, NC). Wilson later followed with two free throws, but the Tigers experienced yet another scoring drought that found them scoreless for approximately four minutes to allow Antelope Valley to knot the score at 19-all with five minutes remaining in the first half.  

The Tiger regained their momentum sparked by a layup and two successful free throws from freshman center Brandon Dorsey (Hesperia, CA) leading to a 31-all score entering into the second half.

After a quite first half, sophomore guard Brae Ivey (Huntington Beach, CA) kicked off the offensive initiatives by earning his way to the charity stripe and burying two free throws. However, a lackluster defense allowed the Marauders to experience a 10-0 run to face Riverside with a 41-33 deficit.

Gibbs took matters into his own hands by flushing a pair of triples to bring the Tigers back within three points of a tie. Freshman guard Tian Daniels (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) followed a handful of possessions later with a three pointer as well to cut the deficit to 49-47 nearing the halfway point of the second half.

Wilson brought the score to a tie with a pair of free throws after remaining aggressive following a defensive board. Ivey put Riverside back on top by hitting a triple shortly after. Wilson continued to make an impact with a three pointer down the stretch, backed by two free throws by Gibbs.

Robinson returned to the show in a thunderous way by rising up for a slam following two made free throws which took control of the contest. Riverside finished the game by going 6-for-7 from the line en route to a 72-67 win.

Robinson recorded his first-career double-double by dropping 10 points and hauling in 10 boards – three coming on the offensive end. Ivey led all scorers with 16, while Wilson backed him with 12 points.

Gibbs was dynamic off the bench by dropping 11 points and hauling in seven rebounds. Additionally, he swatted two shots and snapped home his two three point attempts.  

The Tigers (2-0) will continue action in the Ventura College Tournament tomorrow at a time to be determined. Please visit www.rccathletics.com for further information.