Pierce’s defense outshines Moorpark

Andre Fuller/Roundup

 Guard Ryan Rubino’s 18 points helped the Brahmas get back to a .500 record in the conference as the Pierce College men’s basketball team defeated the Moorpark Raiders yesterday in Moorpark, 81-60.

“It felt like it was one of those games that I couldn’t miss a shot,” said Rubino, who was 6 of 7 from three point land.

The Brahmas’ (6-9, 1-1) defensive play was just as effective as their shooting performance last night as the Raiders (9-7, 1-1) struggled to find their offensive groove throughout the game.

“We [Brahmas] are about intensity,” said head coach Ed Babayan. “Offense isn’t our strong point. We play defense. We want to take away what our opponents are good at.”

Pierce’s defense backed up Babayan’s statement as they ended the first half with a 41-30 lead.

The trend didn’t stop in the second half as blocked shots and steals forced the Raider offense into disarray.

“We wanted to come out with the same intensity as we have before in the first half,” said point guard Josh Thomas.

A first year play caller, Thomas’ play doesn’t come as a surprise to him as he’s been making plays happen all season long.

“I’m the type of player that doesn’t like to score,” said Thomas. “I like to keep players involved and have them score.”

Since the Wells Fargo Holiday Tournament at Riverside in late December, Pierce has lost six of its last nine games. However, their play isn’t indicative of their record, as they haven’t played a home game all season and have been several close games.

“Our schedule turned out tougher than we expected,” said Babayan. “We set up our schedule tough so when it came to conference, we knew what to expect.”

According to Babayan, Pierce’s first home game will be on Jan. 23 against Oxnard College.

The Brahmas want to be prepared for their home stretchand its starts with winning these last few away games.

“I think it’s important to close out these next few games so we can have easy home games at the end,” said Rubino.

The Pierce College Brahmas’ next game will be against Santa Barbara College on Jan. 13 in Santa Barbara at 7 p.m.

 

 

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