The Ventura College men's basketball team won again Thursday night without head coach Ned Mircetic, who will coach the Ventura women to two games in Orange County this weekend.

The only Southern California team in the eight-team San Jose City College Classic, Ventura outlasted Diablo Valley, 71-69, in overtime.

"Usually before every game when Ned's not there, coach (Will) Cowen and I put a quote on the board," said Ventura coach Jon Wyers.

Written on the locker room whiteboard Thursday was "Another big game... represent the South well."

The message was simple:

"You've been working hard to finally get ranked," said Wyers. "Diablo Valley is another win that will push us up higher."