Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West men's basketball (0-1, 0-0 OEC) started their season against the Victor Valley Rams (1-0, 0-0 IEAC) on Wednesday night. 

Rustlers men's basketball started their 2023-24 season against the Rams in a competitive matchup. With a handful of returning student-athletes and many newcomers added to the roster, Golden West looked to make a mark in their first appearance. The game began with a layup by the home team from DJ Williams but Victor Valley quickly took control. 

Midway through the first half, the Rams held a strong 14-point lead as the Rustlers worked to find a rhythm. Golden West's deficit would consistently stay around ten points as the first half continued. When the first 20 minutes concluded, the Rustlers found themselves down, 47-34. 

Victor Valley's lead only grew in the first ten minutes of the second half with a steady double-digit advantage. Though, in the last ten minutes of the final half the Rustlers attempted a large comeback. The team came within seven but time would prevent them from tying the game. Golden West fell just short as the final buzzer rang and the Rustlers dropped their season home opener, 85-92. 

The valiant effort of the team did not go unnoticed as they nearly erased a 15 point deficit. In the first appearance of the season, Dominick McBride earned a double-double with 16 points scored and 11 total rebounds. Soma Doherty led the team in scoring with 20 points, five rebounds and 2 assists. Noel Camejo scored 14 points, came down with five rebounds and recorded a steal. 

NEXT UP: The Rustlers next home game will be against LA Harbor on Tuesday, November 7th. Tip-off will be at 5pm.