Men's Basketball Storms Back in Second Half to Beat Oxnard

VALLEY GLEN, CA - Men's Basketball overcame a 14 point deficit at halftime to beat Oxnard 87-83!

In their first game of 2024, and after a small but necessary winter break, the Monarchs came out the gate slow and disorganized.  Several turnovers and sloppy defense saw the Monarchs down 14 at the half, 46-32.

Out of the break, Oxnard continued to extend their lead and it looked like the Monarchs were finished.  But a key time out by coach Virgil Watson, turned things around and spurred the Monarchs to the win.  

With 8:47 left in the game, and Oxnard up 72-65, the Monarchs went on a 13-0 run to take the lead.  They left that 13-0 run up 73-72 after a Yah Humphrey(#5) lay up.  During the run, the Monarchs got help from Kory Blunt (#25) with a three and some key free throws, a jump shot from Khalil Forrester and the layup from Humphrey.

For the rest of the game, Zyaun Lee (#22) battled in the key, collecting eight offensive rebounds, putting the ball back in the bucket and getting himself to the free throw line - extending the Monarchs lead, and solidifying the win.

Lee finished the game with a double-double, scoring 22 points and collecting 14 total rebounds, including his eight offensive rebounds.  Kory Blunt led all Monarchs with 24 points and contributed three steals.  Yah Humphrey finished with 23 points of his own.

Incredible comeback, Monarchs!  The Men's Basketball team opens up Western State Conference play on Wednesday, January 10 at 5:00 p.m. versus College of the Canyons.