SCC Rolls to 12th Victory in a Row : Scruggs Scores 26 as Vanguards Defeat Bethany, 118-80

Terry Scruggs scored 26 points to help Southern California College defeat Bethany Bible College, 118-80, in a nonconference game Thursday at SCC.

The victory extended the Vanguards’ winning streak to 12 games.

SCC took control early, leading, 10-2, after the first 2 minutes of play, and never let the Bruins back into the game. The Vanguards (22-2) had seven players score in double figures.

“Some people say you don’t mess around with a streak,” SCC Coach Bill Reynolds said. “But we don’t believe that. We’ve changed our lineup six or seven times this season. We’re not too hung up on who starts, and we wanted to get a little more offense in the game tonight.”

Scruggs and John Mounce, who usually come off the bench, started in place of Jim Mansfield and Phil Hill. Along with starters Todd Dixon, Kyle Lundy and Jeff Bickmore, the combination provided SCC with a 60-45 halftime lead.

“The first half (Bethany) was on me real tight,” Scruggs said. “Once our defense started working, the transitions got me open. The pressure defense was the key, and some great passes from the guards.”

SCC made 23 of 25 free throws (92%), but Bethany only connected on eight of 15 (53%). The Vanguards had 24 steals and forced 30 turnovers, committing 15 themselves. Lundy had eight steals and six assists.

Bickmore had 22 points for SCC. Dixon added 12 and Mounce and Lundy scored 15 each.

Bryan Krenzin had 19 points and eight rebounds for Bethany. Teammate Don Wade added 18 points and Rich Ogelsby eight. Both Krenzin and Ogelsby played for SCC before transferring to Bethany.