Men’s Basketball Wins Three at Ventura Tournament

It was familiar territory for the Riverside City College men's basketball team as they completed a three-game tournament at the Ventura College Tournament this past weekend. For the third-straight year, the Tigers came out of the tournament on a 3-0 note to start the season.

After nearly bucketing 100 points in a win over Moorpark on Thursday, the Tigers cruised to an 88-61 win over Pasadena City College and an 81-51 routing over Victor Valley to close out the weekend.

The offense shined throughout the entire tournament and the defense improved as the games continued. After allowing over 80 points in a victory over Moorpark, the Tigers held both Pasadena City and Victor Valley to a lower point total by nearly 30 points.

Sophomore guard Zekiah LoVett was the top offensive performer as he dropped double-digit numbers in each contest. He followed a 21-point night against Moorpark with a 14-point showing against Pasadena and a 21-point mark against Victor Valley. He carried over last season's quick trigger from long range into this season as he has gone 21-for-33 beyond the arc which is good for nearly a 64 percent mark.

Running the offense is point guard Melvin Walker who has been doing damage on both sides of the ball. While he has not been lighting up the floor in the points category, he has dished out 13 assists highlighted by an eight assist game against Victor Valley. Furthermore, he has pocketed two steals and gathered 10 rebounds.

Freshman forward Robert Ayala has burst on the scene as one of the more forceful offensive weapons with a pair of double-digit scoring games. He followed his inaugural 22-point performance with a 16-point mark against Victory Valley. Additionally, he reeled in 11 rebounds in the first two games.

Sophomore Edwyn Collins came off the bench in game two and scored a season-high 14 points to lead the bench play. Additionally, he has racked up 12 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks in the first three contests.

Riverside will hit the road on Saturday, November 13 to play against the Citrus College Owls. Opening tip is set for 5 p.m.