Vaqueros Claim Conference Win

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – James Reach played the entire 40 minutes last night to help Santa Barbara City College earn its first conference victory of the season, 72-61, at LA Pierce College on Wednesday.

"Overall, great team win. I feel like we finally put together a complete 40-minute game," head coach Devin Engebretsen said.

Santa Barbara was down 14-2 early in the first half and methodically climbed back into the game.

Will Pace's energy off the bench helped key the offense, as he contributed 19 points, six rebounds, and a key steal.

"I'd like to highlight William Pace. We asked him to come off the bench for a game just to give him a different perspective on the start of the game," Engebretsen said. "He, without hesitation, said he would do whatever the team needed to win. Just a great leadership and captain moment for him."

Finn Whipps stepped into the starting lineup and supplied the Vaqueros with 10 points and nine rebounds.

"[Whipps] hit back-to-back threes in the later stages of the second half," Engebretsen said. "He also took on the tremendous challenge of trying to block out [Markus Steele]. Finn took the challenge on and did a great job of keeping him off the glass."

James Reach collected 20 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Nick Tjaden dished out 10 assists with only two turnovers. Ramon Cota hit a pair of three-pointers off the bench to go with his 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

The Vaqueros snapped a nine-game skid and will return home on Saturday to take on Allan Hancock at 5 p.m. in the Sports Pavilion.