SANTA MARIA, Calif. (Interstat) — In a frantic California Community College men’s basketball showdown that required overtime to decide, the Ventura Pirates outlasted the Allan Hancock Bulldogs 85-81 on Saturday.

The game, a high-paced affair from the opening tip, saw both teams trade massive scoring runs. The Bulldogs raced out to an early lead behind a torrid first-quarter performance from guard Arlind Konjuhi, who scored 17 of his game-high 34 points in the period. Allan Hancock led 40-33 after one, a margin that held through a back-and-forth second quarter, ending the half ahead 69-65.

The second half shifted dramatically as both offenses cooled. Ventura tightened its defense, holding the Bulldogs to just 12 points in the third quarter while scoring 16 to knot the game at 81-81 heading into the final period. The fourth quarter evolved into a defensive struggle, with neither team able to find the basket. The regulation clock expired with the score still deadlocked at 81, forcing overtime.

In the extra period, the Pirates’ efficiency proved decisive. While the detailed play-by-play did not specify the overtime scoring, Ventura’s 4-0 edge in the extra frame sealed the victory. The Bulldogs, who had been so potent early, were held scoreless in overtime.

The most important part of the game was Ventura’s defensive resilience after halftime. After allowing 69 points in the first half, the Pirates locked down, limiting Allan Hancock to only 12 points over the final 25 minutes of regulation and overtime combined. This dramatic defensive turnaround, overcoming a significant halftime deficit on the road, was the cornerstone of the comeback victory.

Snookey Wigington led Ventura with 33 points, five assists and four rebounds, bolstered by a 14-for-16 performance from the free-throw line. Jerimiyah Smith added a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. For Allan Hancock, Konjuhi’s 34 points led all scorers, supported by Noah Morris’s 17 rebounds and 10 points and Trenten Lavender’s 15 points.

Statistically, Ventura won despite being outrebounded 48-35. The Pirates compensated by forcing 21 Bulldogs turnovers while committing only 14 of their own, and by shooting 80% from the free-throw line compared to 73.1% for Allan Hancock. Ventura also held a slight edge in shooting efficiency, posting an offensive rating of 107.8 points per 100 possessions against the Bulldogs’ 96.0.

With the win, Ventura improved to 18-3 overall. Allan Hancock fell to 15-7. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Ventura on Feb. 18.

The game was organized by the California Community College Athletic Association.