The Pierce College men’s basketball team has now lost two games in row, after losing 70-68 at home against the Allan Hancock Bulldogs in a thrilling game that was decided by a buzzer beater on Feb. 15.
Pierce played the game without its head coach, Edward Babayan, who was suspended for being ejected from Pierce’s last game against Ventura College. Assistant coach Charles White took the helm of the team in Babayan’s absence.
The game was a back and forth affair since the opening tipoff because neither team could build a decent lead. Much of the first half consisted of fouls being called on both teams.
While the Bulldogs took advantage of their free throws, Pierce managed to keep the game close and headed into halftime behind 34-32.
The second half was no different for both teams as they continued to trade baskets with neither being able to build a decent lead. The game’s intensity picked up during the closing minute of the game.
During the last 30 seconds of the second half, Pierce’s guard Rodney Walters hit a game-tying basket to even up the game at 68 apiece. With the game tied, Hancock took a time to draw up a play.
Hancock refused to be denied the win. Forward Josh Varney sealed the deal for the Bulldogs as he hit his jump shot to end the second half and gave Hancock a two point victory.
“Our guys are resilient,” said Tyson Aye, head coach of Hancock.
The Piece College men’s basketball team will wrap up its season when it travels to Santa Barbara to take on the Vaqueros in the final game of the season on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.