Oxnard College star guard Ryan McLucas may be lost for the season.

Doctors last week found a cyst behind the sore knee of the former Rio Mesa High standout, who was averaging 19.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals per game before missing Saturday's overtime win at College of the Canyon.

He is expected to be lost for the remainder of the season.

"That's what it looks like," said head coach Jason Cunningham. "The doctor's prescription was for him to take six weeks off... We've talked about him getting a medical (redshirt)."

Losing perhaps its best two-way player, who Cunningham calls "the best defender in the WSC," is just the latest blow to a promising season.

McLucas' injury means a starting place for St. Bonaventure High product Nick Molina, who Cunningham called "another tough kid defensively" and "court savvy."

Many of McLucas' shots may go to freshman Marc Pajund, a high-scoring wing from Compton Centennial.

Without two top players, the Oxnard College men's basketball team has lost the opening game of the Jason Cunningham era, 85-54, Friday night at Ventura College

A Ryan McLucas 3-point play helped pull the Condors within 64-47 with six minutes to play, but Saddleback responded with a 16-2 run to turn the scoreboard ugly.

McLucas had a game-high 19 points. Former VC star Kevin Menner had a team-high 17 points for Saddleback.

Without two top players, the Oxnard College men's basketball team has lost the opening game of the Jason Cunningham era, 85-54, Friday night at Ventura College

A Ryan McLucas 3-point play helped pull the Condors within 64-47 with six minutes to play, but Saddleback responded with a 16-2 run to turn the scoreboard ugly.

McLucas had a game-high 19 points. Former VC star Kevin Menner had a team-high 17 points for Saddleback.

Oxnard will play Antelope Valley Saturday at 1 p.m. in the consolation round.

Despite losing coach Jeff Theiler and 7-foot center Josh Crawford, The Oxnard College men's basketball team doesn't look like missing a beat.

Assistant coach Jason Cunningham has taken the reins and isn't missing a beat. A stellar sophomore group revolves around point guard Jonathan Johnson and shooting guard Ryan McLucas.

"Jon John(son) has slimmed down and improved his jump shot," said Cunningham. We want to get more out of him defensively."

The Condors already get plenty out of McLucas defensively.

"He allows us to come into every game with the belief that we can win," said Cunningham. "He changes every game with the ability to defend the other team's best player."

High-scoring forward Bernard Burrell, who missed nearly all of last season with a back injury, is ready to go.

"For us, it' s a blessing," said Cunningham. "His leadership helps everyone else on the floor. When he's on the floor the ball never stagnates."

Stepping in for Crawford is 6-foot-11 center Matt Dewaal, who is already getting Division I recruiting interest.

"Matt is obviously an X-factor of a guy," said Cunningham. "If he can be a presence for us and rebound, we can be a very good team.

"We have a very powerful four guys there."