Slow Start Dooms Vaqueros at Antelope Valley

LANCASTER, Calif. - The SBCC Men's Basketball team came into Saturday's non-conference matchup at Antelope Valley looking to secure back-to-back wins. However, a sluggish start proved too much to overcome as the Vaqueros fell to the Marauders, 75-65, in Lancaster.

SBCC opened the night in a deep offensive and defensive fog, quickly falling behind 14–0, 22–3, and eventually 34–12. The early deficit forced the Vaqueros to play from behind for the entire contest, and despite numerous second-half surges, the gap established in the opening minutes ultimately decided the game.

The Vaqueros showed renewed life after halftime. A burst of energy on both ends helped them chip away at the deficit, and sophomore James Reach drilled a three-pointer with 10 minutes remaining to cut the margin to nine. But Antelope Valley immediately answered with a 7–0 run, restoring a 17-point cushion to halt SBCC's momentum.

SBCC made one final charge in the closing minute, trimming the deficit to 71–65 with just 37 seconds remaining. However, the comeback fell short as the slow start proved too steep a climb.

"A real learning moment for us," said head coach Devin Engebretsen. "We cannot expect to simply show up to any game and win. We have to be connected to each other and to the game mentally, physically, and spiritually. Credit to our guys for turning it around in the second half, but our start was just too bad to overcome."

Reach led the Vaqueros with 19 points and 7 rebounds, continuing his strong early-season form.

SBCC will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they host Santa Monica College at UCSB's Robertson Gym. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.