Simpson Hits Game-Winner in SBCC’s Second Straight OT Win

SANTA BARBARA, CA – For the second straight game, the SBCC men's basketball team needed overtime to decide things.

Thanks to a layup in the final seconds from sophomore Elijah Simpson, the Vaqueros (9-13, 4-2) claimed their second straight one-possession win 74-72 over Oxnard (6-13, 2-4) at home. With 15 on 5-of-8 from the field, Simpson was one of three Vaqueros to score at least 15.

The others were forward Aidan Mandel and guard Trevor Lee, who both had 19 points. Mandel also pulled down 15 rebounds and snagged four steals, while Lee had six boards and continued be a defensive menace with three steals and four blocks.

It was a close start to the game as Lee's jumper gave SBCC a 16-15 lead nearly 12 minutes in. However, the Condors would go on a 23-6 run over the next six minutes to take control.

The Vaqueros' three leading scorers all chipped in on a big 11-0 run to begin the second half, as a Simpson layup cut it to 38-35. The Condors would push the lead back up to 56-44 heading into the final seven minutes though.

SBCC pulled it together quickly, knocking down six of its next eight shots for a game-tying 14-2 run. Neither team scored in the final minute of regulation as they went to overtime tied 61-61. 

The Condors jumped out to a three-point lead in the extra period, but a Jaelen Bates layup and pair of Lee free throws put the home side up 67-66. SBCC led by five points with less than 40 seconds to go, but Oxnard would tie it on a three-pointer by Gannon Beamen with 11 ticks left.

Simpson's game-winner would come with four seconds remaining. Oxnard wouldn't get another shot off the rest of the way.