With another season nearly in the books, the Bakersfield College men’s basketball team find themselves in a tough situation. They need to regain some of their form from the beginning of the season.
The team has struggled to be consistent, and have lost six of their last 10 games, including the last three. Coach Rich Hughes insists that the team needs to continue playing well on the defensive end and win the battle on the boards to win games. Hughes said. “As long as we hold teams to under 60 points we have a good shot at winning the ball game.”
Since the Renegades most impressive win in the Western State South Conference Jan. 15 against Citrus, the team has dropped to 1-5 in the conference.
The Renegades need to go at least 6-5 for the remainder of the season if it wants any shot at the playoffs.
On Feb. 1, the Renegades defeated Los Angeles Valley College 80-64 improving their conference record to 2-5 and 12-10 overall. The Renegades started the game with a strong defensive effort and took a 36-26 lead into the half. Both teams struggled to find any offensive rhythm in the first half as BC shot just 12 for 31 from the field, but picked it up in the second half going 14 for 26.
CoreyMcDonald-Mitchell chipped in with 16 points on 5 for 13 shooting, but it was his attack to the basket that landed him at the free-throw line, where he was 6 for 7, and kept the LA Valley College defense on the ropes the entire game.
Lawrence Moore had an outstanding game contributing 19 points, and collecting two rebounds, but it was his defensive play the that made the difference. Moore ended the game with 4 steals and one block. Van Holloway finished with 14 points and Dequan Green added 12.
The Renegades next game is Feb. 5 at West Los Angeles College, traveling afterwards to Citrus College on Feb. 8, followed by a home game against Satna Monica College on Feb. 12.