#15 Men's Basketball defeats Pierce and Santa Barbara to start WSC North 2-0

Rocco Pompeo
Rocco Pompeo
January 14, 2024

The #15 Men's Basketball opened WSC North action with two wins over LA Pierce and Santa Barbara City College to go 2-0.

Traveling to Woodland Hills for the opener, the Raiders and Brahmas exchanged baskets throughout the first half. There were 2 lead changes with the Raiders taking the lead with 10 minutes to go on their way to a 32-29 halftime lead.

The second half started the same way with teams exchanging baskets with the Raiders slowly wearing out Pierce and going on a 11-2 run to give themselves some space. Pierce was able to cut the lead to 2 but the Raiders were able to close out the Brahmas, 76-65

Jack Benyshek led all scorers with a game high  24 points. Jamaal Unuakalu had a double-double, 22 points, 10rebounds. Jeremiah Windham added 14 points off the bench. Kenji Cooper chipped in with 10 points. 

Hosting Santa Barbara for a Saturday matinee, the Raiders raced out to a 44-33 halftime lead. Although SBCC was able to cut the lead to 4 mid first half, the Raiders answered all of the Vaquero's pushes and held off SBCC.

The Raiders controlled the second half building leads of 17, 20, and 24 points all the while Coach Higgins rotating players freely. When the dust and sand settled, the Raiders went into the lockerroom victorious, 81-60.

Avi Halpert led all scorers with a game high 18 points coming off the bench. Jamaal Unuakalu had another double-double, 15points, 12rebounds. Jack Benyshek added 14 points and Kenji Cooper chipped in 10 points.

The Raiders are now 2-0 in WSC North, 13-5 overall. 

They will host VC on Wednesday, 1/17, then travel to #16 Hancock, Saturday, 1/20, which figures to be a barn burner.