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Ventura 74, Citrus 56: Ventura gets big lift to stay perfect by Joe Curley in Ventura

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In the wake of the 64-59 loss at Hancock Wednesday night that knocked it out of first place in the WSC North, the Ventura College men's basketball team can expect some changes in practice today:

"I'm going to talk to the team about making some changes in the starting lineup, because we haven't been getting off to a fast, hard start," said head coach Ned Mircetic Wednesday night. "That'll be part of our discussion in practice (this afternoon).

Ventura has started point guard Dee Pinkard, guard Eric Gray, guard Danny Benson, forward Anthony Burtley and center Will Faiivae for much of the season.

"The inconsistency in the starting five is forcing my hand to make changes," said Mircetic. "I'm not pleased at all with how the first two, three, four minutes of the game (have been)."

"I can't depend on what we have right now and this time of year, I should be able to depend on some things with absolute certainty."

Benson scored 13 points Wednesday to lead the team for the fifth time in six games and Pinkard added 11 points. But Gray was 1 of 7 from 3-point line in totaling five points and Faiivae, mired in foul troubled, was shut out, 0 for 2 from the field with five turnovers.

"I think I know what the problem is and I'm going to give it a good look in practice (this afternoon)," said Mircetic. "I don't understand how you can be at game No. 6 in league, the end of the first round, and we don't come out and kick somebody's (butt). Even if we don't do it, we come out with that intent and we execute it.

"It's late in the year, but it is what it is. As long as you have a breath in you, you look to make adjustments, whether they are subtle changes in footwork or sweeping changes in the lineup. We're going to be looking at all options.

"I can't deal with getting off to slow starts like that, game in, game out... I'm going to look at shaking things up a little."

Faiivae, who averages 11.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, was shut out for the first time all season after picking up two quick fouls and sitting the remaining 17 minutes of the first half. He had been held to single digits once in the previous eight games.

"He got one cheap foul and one regular Will foul," said Mircetic. "We need him rebounding, we need him on defense, we need him on multiple fronts. For him to be in foul trouble necessitates adjustments to the lineup that I don't want to make at that time."

Prince Abidoye had 17 points and Dee Pinkard added 11 points, including the decisive buzzer-beating runner, as Ventura, ranked No. 15 in the state, outlasted No. 11 Diablo Valley, 71-69, in overtime in the quarterfinals of the San Jose City Classic.

Sophomore Eric Gray chipped in 10 points, including a huge 3-pointer to begin overtime, and Randy Hunter had nine points.

Despite foul trouble to three key starters, Ventura (10-3) advanced to face Alameda (2-7), which also needed overtime Thursday to overcome Monterey Peninsula 66-64, in the semifinals tonight.

Diablo Valley (7-3) was led by 18 points each by Dan Davies and Gary Pinkey.

Ventura won for the ninth straight time besides foul trouble by key starters Benson and Will Faiivae, who combined for only nine points.

"At the same time, that's our motto," said coach Will Cowen. "We have an array of guys that will step up and we're real proud of them. It was a very hostile environment and our guys never quit."

Ventura College guard Dee Pinkard, who missed the end of his freshman campaign with a knee injury, seems to be turning a corner.

The Hueneme High graduate had a big game in the Ventura College men's basketball team's best game thus far this season, a 97-77 win over Santa Barbara City.

Pinkard had eight points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, one block and two steals.

"And he's going to get better each week as he gets in better shape from the injury," said coach Will Cowen.

Some thoughts by coach Ned Mircetic on the Ventura College men's basketball team's performance in its scrimmage Tuesday against Westmont:

"Dee Pinkard had a kind of coming-out party."

"Prince (Abidoye) played well. He was able to get to the rim and draw a lot of fouls."

"Will Faiivae was active, but he was foul prone."

"Danny Benson is a breath away from being a tremendous player for us."

The sophomores mostly stood out. But there was one freshman who was highlighted, Channel Islands High product Jordan Harris.

"Jordan Harris showed energy on the board and patience in the high post."

Mircetic was upset that point guard Mike Diacos, a Camarillo High graduate who transfered from Nebraska, didn't see more playing time.

"Diacos did fine. I didn't play him enough. I was trying different combination and he got squeezed out of the combinations. That was more on me looking at different combinations."