Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West men's basketball (2-16, 1-5 OEC) defeated the Orange Coast Pirates (9-8, 3-2 OEC) to earn their first conference victory, 83-76.
The Rustlers came out strong as they pressured the Pirate's shooters and won the rebound battle early. From their rebounds, Golden West was able to earn a 4-0 lead with jump shots from Tavin Adamson and Yvan Long. The Rustlers found themselves down but a breakaway layup from Noel Camejo tied it, 11-11. Two minutes later, the sophomore guard would repeat with a second breakaway layup to take the lead. For a third straight time, Camejo would be alone to successfully sink two points. Midway through the first half, Adamson sank a three to put Golden West up, 17-14. Turnovers began to pile up for the home team as the Pirates took a one point lead. From deep, Dominic Mcbride would sink a three to regain the lead. Though the home team would lose control and find themselves down seven at half, 33-40.
Out of half, Golden West worked to make a stop and to take advantage of rebounds and steals. A huge three from DJ Williams got the Rustlers within two and a Camejo layup knotted the score, 43-43. Williams made another impactful three point shot to put the home team up. Camejo would sink two free throws and earn a foul after a made layup to erupt the Rustler bench. Midway through the second half, Golden West attempted to grow distance from Orange Coast as the team held a 56-49 lead. Williams would sink a huge three from the corner to put the Rustlers up by double digits. Multiple travels from the Pirates ball carriers would allow Golden West to control the possession.
With seven minutes left in regulation, the home team was up by 14, 63-50. To add an exclamation, Tre Richard would collect back to back buckets with one being a dunk. However, the Pirates climbed all the way back to tie the scoreboard with less than two minutes in regulation left. The Rustlers would get back on top with two made free throws from Camejo. Williams would ice the game with a three from the corner and put Golden West up by seven, 83-76. Golden West held on to win by nine and win their first game since November.
Camejo had an incredible day as he led the team in scoring with 26 points, five rebounds and three steals. Mcbride was third in scoring with 12 points and nearly had a double-double with his eight rebounds and seven assists. Soma Doherty had the most rebounds for the winning team with ten and also scored six points and recorded six assists. Williams aided the team with his key and timely three pointers as he was second in scoring with 23 points. Head Coach Tony Jimmerson and Golden West were able to close out the close win in the end to earn their first conference victory and second overall for the season.
NEXT UP: Golden West will be on the road for their next conference matchup at Irvine Valley on Friday, January 19th. Tipoff will be at 6pm.
