Ventura Looks to Continue Winning Ways at Compton

COMPTON, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Ventura College men’s basketball team will look to extend its successful start when it visits Compton College in a California community college non-conference matchup Wednesday night.

The Ventura Pirates (9-3) enter on a high note after a thrilling 96-93 overtime road victory at Bakersfield on Dec. 11. The Compton Tartars (5-8) seek consistency after a 92-77 loss at West Los Angeles on Dec. 6.

Ventura is powered by sophomore forward Jerimiyah Smith, who is coming off a career performance. Smith logged 45 minutes and scored 40 points while grabbing 13 rebounds in the overtime win. Over his last eight games, Smith is averaging 25.5 points and 11.1 rebounds, showcasing his dominance in the paint and on the glass.

He is complemented by guard Snookey Wigington, who had 21 points and eight assists against Bakersfield, and Kam’Ron Cigar, who added 13 points.

Compton will counter with its own standout in guard Elijah Evans. Evans scored a season-high 27 points in the Tartars’ most recent outing. He has reached double figures in scoring in four of his last five games, providing a key offensive spark for a team that has struggled to find a rhythm this season.

Nathan Ibarra, who had 25 points against West Los Angeles, offers additional scoring support for the home team.

The Pirates have shown a potent offense, scoring 96 or more points in three of their wins. However, they have also shown vulnerability in close games, with two of their three losses coming by six points or fewer.

Compton will need to contain Smith and slow Ventura’s transition game to improve its record. The Tartars have allowed 90 or more points in four of their eight losses this season.

Wednesday’s contest is the final non-conference tune-up for both teams before holiday breaks. Ventura travels to Long Beach on Friday, while Compton is off until hosting Los Angeles City on Jan. 2.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST at the Compton College Gymnasium.