MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Saddleback College men’s basketball team overcame a halftime deficit with a dominant second-half performance to defeat Moorpark College 73-67 in a non-conference junior college game Saturday.

The Bobcats, playing at home, trailed by three points at intermission but outscored the Raiders 43-34 after the break to secure the victory. The win improved Saddleback’s overall record to 5-4, while Moorpark fell to 3-6.

The game’s decisive shift came in the second half as Saddleback’s offense found its rhythm and Moorpark’s shooting cooled. After a tightly contested first half that saw Moorpark lead 33-30, the Bobcats opened the second period with a 13-5 run to seize control. Moorpark guard Eric Kubel, who finished with a game-high 25 points, kept the Raiders close with a series of three-pointers, but Saddleback consistently answered with balanced scoring.

Charlie Stallings led the Bobcats with 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. His back-to-back three-pointers early in the first half helped establish an initial lead, and his interior play in the second half was pivotal. He was supported by a trio of teammates who scored 10 points each: Jaden Rahmaan, who added nine rebounds, Mark Reichner, who had six rebounds, and Adam Sevier. Malachi Hiers contributed 11 points for Saddleback.

For Moorpark, Kubel’s 25-point effort on 7-of-17 shooting from three-point range was the offensive highlight. Aeneas Grullon added nine points and Aiden Bitran finished with nine points and four rebounds.

Statistically, the game was a study in efficiency. Despite attempting five fewer field goals, Saddleback made two more than Moorpark, finishing 25 of 60 from the floor compared to the Raiders’ 23 of 65. The Bobcats also capitalized more frequently at the free-throw line, making 15 of 25 attempts, while Moorpark hit 11 of 14. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with Saddleback making 8 of 23 and Moorpark connecting on 10 of 32.

Rebounding was nearly even, with Saddleback holding a slight 42-39 edge. Turnovers were minimal, with Moorpark committing eight and Saddleback seven. The most glaring disparity was in fouls, as Moorpark was whistled for 24 personals to Saddleback’s 14.

The most important sequence of the game occurred in the final two minutes with the score tied 67-67. After a Moorpark turnover, Saddleback’s Michael Bichel converted a crucial layup while being fouled with 31 seconds remaining. He completed the three-point play to give the Bobcats a 70-67 lead. Following a missed Moorpark jumper, Bichel struck again with another layup to extend the lead to five points with 31 seconds left, effectively sealing the outcome. Jaden Rahmaan added a final free throw for the six-point margin.

The game was played under the auspices of the California Community College Athletic Association. Saddleback was projected as the favorite with a 61.6% win probability by the Interstat ELO system entering the contest.

Saddleback is scheduled to play at De Anza College on Sunday. Moorpark will travel to face Grossmont College, also on Sunday.