SANTA MARIA, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dramatic and decisive second-half surge, the Allan Hancock College Bulldogs overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros 72-65 in a men’s junior college basketball game on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The visiting Vaqueros, leveraging sharp early shooting, controlled the first half and entered halftime with a seemingly comfortable 65-52 lead. Santa Barbara connected on seven three-pointers before the break, with James Reach and Mason Thomas providing key perimeter scoring, while Jack Berry attacked the rim effectively.

The complexion of the game shifted entirely after halftime. The Bulldogs emerged with intensified defensive pressure, stifling Santa Barbara’s offensive flow. The Vaqueros, who scored 65 points in the first half, were held to just 33 points in the second. Their shooting cooled dramatically, finishing the game at just 39.7% from the floor. Crucially, their ball movement ceased, as evidenced by a remarkably low total of only two assists for the entire game.

Allan Hancock’s offense, meanwhile, found its rhythm inside. Despite making only two three-pointers all night, the Bulldogs dominated the paint, scoring 46 points from close range. They capitalized on second-chance opportunities with 17 offensive rebounds and consistently drew fouls, making 14 of 16 free throws. The Bulldogs also protected the ball better, committing only seven turnovers to Santa Barbara’s nine.

The most important part of the game was Allan Hancock’s sustained 20-5 run that spanned the middle of the second half, erasing Santa Barbara’s double-digit lead and seizing control. During this critical stretch, the Bulldogs’ defense forced the Vaqueros into a series of rushed shots and turnovers, while their own offense executed efficiently in half-court sets. Trenten Lavender and Noah Morris were instrumental in this comeback, scoring through contact and on putbacks.

Noah Morris was the top star for Allan Hancock, recording a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds to go with a block in 35 minutes. Trenten Lavender led all scorers with 20 points. For Santa Barbara, Jack Berry scored 20 points and James Reach added 16, but their combined efforts were not enough to withstand the Bulldogs’ second-half onslaught.

Statistically, the efficiency disparity was stark. Allan Hancock scored its 72 points on 58 possessions, an offensive rating of 125.0. Santa Barbara managed 65 points on 59 possessions, for a rating of 109.9. The Bulldogs also held advantages in rebounds (37-32), assists (3-2), steals (3-2), and blocks (4-2).

With the victory, Allan Hancock improved its season record to 19-8. Santa Barbara fell to 12-13. The Bulldogs completed a regular-season sweep of the Vaqueros, having also won the previous meeting 75-64 on January 21.

Allan Hancock is scheduled to play next at Ventura on Wednesday, February 18. Santa Barbara will host Cuesta on Friday, February 20.