Ventura Trips in Bid to Extend State Title Streak

There will be a new state champion in junior college men’s basketball this season.

Eric Holmes missed a three-point shot with three seconds to play and Mt. San Antonio College shocked Ventura, 76-73, in a Southern California Regional second-round game Wednesday night at Ventura.

Center Jamar Bailey scored 17 of his game-leading 25 points in the second half for the Mounties (20-11), who overcame a 38-33 halftime deficit.

Ventura (26-7), the two-time defending state champion, had its chances down the stretch.

The teams were tied three times in the final five minutes before Mt. San Antonio went ahead for good, 71-70, on a basket by Tyrone Clark with 1:21 remaining.

Ventura, seeded fifth in the regional, was led by Chris Clayton with 21 points, including five three-point baskets, and by former Chatsworth High standout Eddie Miller with 14 points.

Mt. San Antonio, seeded 12th in the regional, was sparked by Donald Guyton with 16 points, Toriano Holt with 12 and Micah Langston with 11.