SANTA MARIA, Calif. (Interstat) — Roman Finney scored 32 points and the Moorpark Raiders survived a frantic second-half rally by Allan Hancock to edge the Bulldogs 68-65 in a California Community College men’s basketball game Saturday.

The Raiders, who led by as many as 15 points in the first half, saw that advantage evaporate completely in the final minutes before making critical free throws to secure the road victory.

Moorpark established control early with a blistering offensive performance in the opening quarter, outscoring Allan Hancock 41-27. Finney was the catalyst, aggressively attacking the basket and drawing fouls. He had 19 of his points by halftime, helping the Raiders build a 68-27 lead at the break.

The game’s complexion shifted dramatically after halftime. The Bulldogs intensified their defensive pressure, forcing Moorpark into rushed shots and turnovers. Led by Mehki Grant, who scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half, and Trenten Lavender, Allan Hancock methodically chipped away at the deficit.

A driving layup by Grant with 1:23 remaining gave Allan Hancock its first lead since the opening minute at 65-63, capping a 38-9 run that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

Moorpark responded on the ensuing possession. Eric Kubel was fouled and calmly sank two free throws to tie the game with 1:02 left. After an Allan Hancock miss, the Bulldogs fouled Dominique Brutus with 15 seconds remaining. Brutus, who had struggled offensively, made both free throws to put Moorpark ahead 67-65.

Allan Hancock’s final chance ended when Arlind Konjuhi committed a turnover with four seconds left. Finney added a final free throw for the final margin.

Finney’s 32-point outing marked a season-high for the sophomore and came on an efficient 10-of-18 shooting from the floor and a 12-of-14 performance from the free throw line. He also grabbed seven rebounds. Kubel added 17 points for Moorpark, which improved to 11-8 overall.

Allan Hancock, which fell to 14-6, was led by Noah Morris’s 12 points and nine rebounds. Grant finished with 14 points, while Lavender added 11 points and five rebounds. The Bulldogs hurt themselves at the free throw line, making only 10 of 20 attempts.

Despite being outrebounded 33-29 and committing 20 fouls, Moorpark’s ability to force 19 Allan Hancock turnovers and capitalize at the charity stripe, making 17 of 24 attempts, proved decisive. The Raiders also managed a higher offensive rating, scoring 102.4 points per 100 possessions compared to the Bulldogs’ 93.5.

The win was a significant result against the statistical odds, as Interstat’s ELO system had projected Allan Hancock with a 69 percent probability to win.

Moorpark next hosts Oxnard on Jan. 24. Allan Hancock travels to face Santa Barbara on Jan. 21.