Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West men's basketball (1-2, 0-0 OEC) won their first game of the season against the LA Harbor Seahawks (0-2, 0-0 SCC) in a dramatic end. 

The game started fast with minimal mistakes from both sides. A three from Trevor Vertiz from the corner put the rustlers up 7-2 to electrify the crowd and home team bench. Minutes later, Vertiz repeated with another deep three to keep the momentum on Golden West side. The Seahawks made many mistakes that led to turnovers which aided the home team to extend their advantage. 

Midway through the first half, Golden West was on top of LA Harbor by 13 points, 26-13. Dominic Mcbride hit a downtown three to improve the Rustlers lead to 15 points. The quick passing and fast offense of the Rustlers was too much for the Seahawks to handle to start the game. Just before half, LA Harbor managed to lower their deficit to six as Golden West finished the first half up, 43-37.  

The second half was a different story as LA Harbor came all the way back to take the lead. Down 72-75, Golden West was able to tie it with 1:05 left in regulation. With the time ticking, Vertiz leapt into the air for a huge offensive rebound that he turned into two points. The visiting team tied it back up but McBride came up with a big score. From deep, the point guard hit a three-point dagger to help his team go up 80-77. Though LA Harbor was able to come within one point with 12.8 seconds left, they fouled a Rustler to allow two free throws. 

McBride nailed both free throws to extend Golden West's lead to three. The Seahawks got off multiple game-tying shots but none of which found the net. In a last-ditch final attempt by LA Harbor, Soma Doherty jumped into the air to block the shot as the buzzer rang to end the matchup. In an exciting finish, the home team was able to comeback and hold off any further Seahawk threat. Golden West earned their first win of the season, 82-79. 

NEXT UP: Golden West will begin a four game road trip at Southwestern on Friday, November 10th. Tip off will be at 5pm.