Nado Leads Vaqueros to Conference-Opening Win over Moorpark

SANTA BARBARA, CA – The SBCC men's basketball team opened conference play with an 83-78 home win over Moorpark, led by a season-high of 28 points by sophomore guard Wilfrid Nado.

"Tonight, it was a complete, total team win. Everybody that played contributed in one way or another," head coach Devin Engebretsen said. "It was a great game by Wilfrid. Our game plan going in was to really attack their press, get the ball in the middle and attack the rim. If we didn't take care of the ball and make layups, they would've pressed us the whole game."

The Vaqueros (6-11, 1-0) overcame what was a 10-point first half deficit, ending the first 20 minutes on a 13-5 run. Coming out of the break, several strong takes to the basket by Nado would force the Raiders into a zone. Once again, Nado had the answer, knocking down a couple of big threes, one of which started a 9-0 Vaquero run to put the home side up 63-54.

Santa Barbara held the lead until around the four-minute mark, when the Raiders went ahead by one. A huge corner three by guard Elijah Simpson put SBCC back in the lead. He also scored the next three points to put the Vaqueros up five as they approached one minute remaining.

Foul trouble forced Santa Barbara to make some tough decisions down the stretch. Freshman guard Jacob Yamagishi played just four minutes, but subbed in late and gave some important contributions. Simpson eventually knocked down final two free throws with 12 seconds left to seal the win.

"Elijah's corner three late for us was huge. He's a big contributor off the bench for us," Engebretsen said. "Jacob did a great job on defense. He didn't get beat, stayed down and did a great job."

Trevor Lee and Tyler Williams also received praise for a solid defensive job on the interior. Williams ended his day with eight rebounds while Lee had three blocks, including two late in the game.

Freshman forward Aidan Mandel put up another solid stat line with 15 points, 15 boards and five assists.