Valley, Hurt by Turnovers, Stumbles to Palomar in Antelope

Valley College failed to overcome several costly errors late in the second half and fell to Palomar, 68-57, on Saturday in the Antelope Valley College basketball tournament.

With the win, the Comets finished fifth in the 16-team tournament.

“We’re young, but we shouldn’t be making mistakes in key situations like we did today,” said Valley Coach Virgil Watson. “When you’re playing against a team that is as good as Palomar was, you can’t be making the same mistakes in key situations.”

Valley’s biggest mistake was coughing up the ball late in the second half after coming from behind to tie Palomar at 54. Three turnovers by the Monarchs enabled Palomar to outscore Valley, 14-3, in the last five minutes.

“They did a great job on defense late in the game,” Watson said. “Palomar is good; a really tough team to play against.”

Valley took its time getting into gear in the first half. Palomar had led by as much as 13, but the Monarchs came on strong late and trailed by only two at intermission.

“We played very well in the second half,” Watson said. “We just sort of let down a little near the end.”

The Monarchs made only three of seven free throws in the second half, and only nine of 21 field goals. Valley took its first lead with less than 10 minutes remaining. With Palomar up by one, Valley’s Rodney Wright stole the ball and hit a sprinting Kenny Shane, who made an easy layup to give the Monarchs a 52-51 lead.

Valley lost the ensuing dogfight in the final seconds, and Palomar picked up the trophy for fifth place.

“There’ll be other trophies in other places,” Watson said later.