Men's and Women's Basketball Move to 2-0 in Conference

VALLEY VILLAGE - The Men's and Women's Monarchs Basketball teams moved to 2-0 in Conference Saturday, in their Western State Conference home openers against Antelope Valley College.

The Women found themselves down at the half, 31-28, to a taller Antelope Valley team.  With adjustments made, the Monarchs were able to shut down the taller Antelope Valley, giving up just nine points defensively during their third quarter comeback. It was a tight fourth quarter, but the Monarchs prevailed, beating Antelope Valley, 67-57.

Offensively in the second half, the Monarchs were led by Jacqueline Privado (pictured) who scored a team leading 19 points.  Jordyn Jiron contributed her own excellence putting up a double-double - Jiron had 11 points and 10 assists for the Monarchs. Emilie Brugna had an almost perfect scoring game going 7-8 from the field, scoring 16.

The Men had their second come from behind win in Conference play, with a 64-61 win over Antelope Valley.  The Monarchs held a three point lead going into the second half, 28-25, but gave it up late in the half.  A clutch three by Andre Parris pulled the Monarchs back within one with about two minutes to go in the game.  A couple of clutch free-throws by Sargent Jeffrey, a tricky lay-up from David Huggins and an additional three by Manny Kapushian (pictured) pushed the Monarchs into the lead for the final score.  Andre Parris led the Monarchs in scoring with 14 points.  Manny Kapushian contributed 11 points and Huggins had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Both Monarchs teams continue Western State Conference play with another home game, Wednesday, January 11 - Women's tip off is at 5:00 p.m. and the Men play at 7:00 p.m. - against Glendale, in the South Gym.