Fluckey’s Free Throws Give Ventura Win in 2 Overtimes

Moorpark College Coach Al Nordquist says that Ventura College probably has more talent than any other men’s JC basketball team in Southern California.

Even so, it was Moorpark with its average talent that drove the Pirates to the far limits of their game Saturday night.

It took a pair of overtimes and eight consecutive free throws by guard Rick Fluckey in the final 46 seconds of the second overtime period to give Ventura a 100-93 Western State Conference victory at Ventura College.

Fluckey scored 27 points for Ventura (26-5, 11-2 in conference play), including four baskets from three-point range and 11 of 12 from the foul line.

The Raiders had trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half, but forward Steve Murphy made six consecutive free throws to ignite a 13-0 run that brought the Raiders back into the game with four minutes remaining.

It was Murphy again deep underneath the basket who somehow made the shot with 19 seconds to go that sent the game into overtime.

Moorpark (16-14, 6-8) could have won in the first overtime period. but with the score tied, 81-81, Greg Taylor missed two free throws in the final 35 seconds.

Leo Parker scored a game-high 32 points as Ventura won its second consecutive double-overtime game and also captured first place in the Northern Division.