COLLEGE BASKETBALL VENTURA TOURNAMENT : Ventura Belies Inexperience, Wins Championship, 71-62

With only one reserve player returning from last season’s Southern California regional playoff squad, Ventura College Coach Phil Mathews did not know what kind of team he would field with 14 new additions.

Saturday night, in the Ventura tournament final, Mathews got a glimpse of what might be forthcoming and he liked what he saw as the Pirates posted a 71-62 victory over Antelope Valley to win the championship for the third time in the event’s five years.

“We played hard, physical defense tonight and I was pleased, and I know it’s only going to get better,” Mathews said.

Guard Reggie Phillips, the tournament most valuable player, scored 20 points to lead Ventura (5-0). He scored five points in the final minute to help stave off a late rally by Antelope Valley (2-2).

Ventura sophomore Derrick Pugh, a 6-foot-4 forward and only returner, drew the difficult task of trying to defend 6-foot-8 forward D. J. Jackson, who averaged more than 33 points in Antelope Valley’s first three games.

Pugh held Jackson to only five baskets and also turned in a strong game on the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds. Jackson added 13 free throws and finished with a game-high 23 points.

“Coach gave me the challenge before the game and I tried to use good fundamental defense against (Jackson) and it worked out for the best,” Pugh said.

Antelope Valley’s Chris Walters, who was averaging 22 points, was held to 14.

“Ventura took us out of our offense early,” Marauder Coach Newton Chelette said. “We made the adjustments but when they got 13 up on us it was hard for us to come back.”

Ventura outrebounded Antelope Valley, 45-24, and the Pirates forced 19 turnovers. Center Michael Tate added 15 points and 10 rebounds. Chico Langston added 12 points and Stephane Brown had 10.

In the consolation championship game, Allan Hancock (3-1) defeated Oxnard, 68-64, behind forward Fred Crawford’s 26 points and 12 rebounds. Shawn Talley led Oxnard (2-3) with 25 points.