Editor’s note: In a previous version of the story, it was stated that the photo taken by Matthew Nolan was shot on Nov 16. The photo was taken on Dec. 4 during a game against Mt. San Jacinto. Additionally, the article incorrectly stated the game took place on Nov. 6 and the next game was to be played on Nov. 10. Instead, the basketball game took place on Dec. 6 and the upcoming game is scheduled for Dec. 10.
The Riverside City College men’s basketball team upset the No. 12 Ventura City College 78-72 at the Wheelock Gym on Dec. 6, officially snapping their two-game losing streak and closing out the end of the RCC tournament.
Sophomore guard Kollen Murphy dominated the first half, scoring 16 points while shooting 58% from the field to lead the Tigers to a 42-33 halftime advantage and shift momentum early.
At halftime, Riverside shot 47% from the field, showing efficiency on offense, while holding the Pirates to just 39% shooting overall and 28% from three-point range.
The Pirates opened the second half with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to one before guard Snookey Wigington gave them a 56-55 lead with an and-one.
Momentum swung when the Tigers scored 16 of the next 17 points, forcing a Pirates timeout. The Pirates regrouped and made a late push, cutting the lead to five, 77-72, in the closing two minutes of regulation.
The Pirates intentionally fouled in an effort to get the ball back in the closing seconds, but Riverside shut down any offensive chance and sealed the 78-72 victory.
“We executed the game plan well, we were taking care of the ball,” sophomore guard Jabari Harris said. “We played good, getting the win feels good.”
Murphy led the way with a career-high 26 points, shooting 53% from the field. Sophomore forward PJ Pounds had 21 points and 13 rebounds, his fourth double-double of the year.
Riverside finished with a 46% shooting percentage, with 42 of those points coming in the paint while holding the Pirates to 24 points in the paint.
“We lost to them earlier in the season, so this put a fire under us,” Murphy said. “Our team is starting to get it, we’re really getting better, everyone is getting better.”
The tournament ends with the Tigers finishing 1–2 after losses to East Los Angeles College and Mt. San Jacinto.
“We played well, just a little bit of freshman mistakes,” head coach Andre Wilson said. “We’ve got to keep minimizing them as much as we can.”
The Tigers improved to 6‑5 on the year and will play San Bernardino Valley College at home on Dec. 10, hoping to extend their win streak and continue building momentum.
