PASADENA, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by grit than grace, the Compton men’s basketball team edged Pasadena City 56-53 in a California Community College Athletic Association contest on Tuesday night.

The victory, secured in the final second, snapped a two-game skid for the Tartars and improved their season record to 3-7. The Lancers fell to 1-3 with the narrow defeat, which defied the pregame analytics that heavily favored the home team.

The contest was a defensive struggle marked by frigid shooting from both sides. Compton managed to convert just 20 of its 57 field goal attempts, a paltry 35 percent. Their efforts from beyond the arc were particularly anemic, making only one of 15 three-point attempts. Pasadena City fared little better, shooting 17 for 58 from the floor and 6 for 23 from deep.

The difference ultimately came down to execution in the closing moments and a standout individual performance. With the game tied at 53 and the final seconds ticking away, Compton’s Deuce Roberts stole the ball from Pasadena City’s Gavin Hollins-Law. Roberts was fouled and calmly sank both free throws with one second remaining to provide the final margin.

Roberts’ clutch play capped a dramatic final minute. Just 59 seconds earlier, his assist had set up Ley McGovern for a layup that tied the game at 53, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

McGovern was the offensive engine for the Tartars, pouring in a game-high 19 points and pulling down seven rebounds in just 20 minutes of action. His efficiency in limited playing time proved crucial for a Compton team that struggled to find consistent scoring.

Pasadena City was led by Darrius Freeman, who logged 38 minutes and finished with 16 points and six assists. The Lancers controlled the glass, outrebounding Compton 47 to 39, with Cooper Creamer and Donovan Ford each grabbing 10 rebounds. Creamer added three blocks.

Despite the rebounding advantage and a slightly higher number of offensive rebounds, Pasadena City was plagued by 14 turnovers and missed opportunities at the free-throw line, where they shot 13 for 26. Compton was only marginally better, making 15 of 24 foul shots.

Both teams finished with identical possession counts of 70, but Compton’s slightly more effective, if not efficient, offense made the difference. The Tartars posted an offensive rating of 79.5 points per 100 possessions, compared to the Lancers’ 75.3.

The game was a back-and-forth affair throughout. Compton took a narrow 25-24 lead after a first quarter that featured eight lead changes. The Tartars extended their lead slightly by halftime, holding a 31-29 advantage before a second half where neither team could build a significant cushion.

For Compton, the win provides a positive note as they look ahead to their next game against Ventura on Dec. 17. Pasadena City will seek to rebound quickly, traveling to face Cerro Coso on Saturday.