Gators turn back Monroe College
VPCC gives up first 10 points of game, but team effort leads to victory.
The Virginia Peninsula Community College men's basketball team heads into the holiday break on a winning note after defeating Monroe University of the Bronx 83-72 on Dec. 20.
Sincere Moore (Matoaca High School/Chesterfield) led the Gators with 21 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Asa Fehrenbach (Lafayette/Williamsburg) had 14 points and seven boards, Jayden Sepulveda (Landstown/Virginia Beach) scored 11 points, and Keshaun Johnson (Nansemond River High School/Suffolk) contributed 10 points, a game-high five blocks and five rebounds. Emmanuel Angila (Kempsville/Virginia Beach) added seven points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Gators fell behind 10-0 before going on a 13-2 run. They stretched their lead to 23-15, but the Express went ahead 38-36. The game was tied at 44 at the half. Fehrenbach (11) and Sepulveda (7) kept the Gators in the game in the first half by combining for 18 points. Fehrenbach's first-half totals included three 3-pointers.
In the second half, the Gators used a 10-0 run for a 60-50 lead at the second media timeout. Fehrenbach and Moore added back-to-back 3-pointers for a 74-62 advantage with about five minutes left. The Express pulled within four but couldn't get any closer.
For the game, the Gators went 8 for 25 from the 3-point line and the Express were 2 for 13. The Gators continued to struggle at the free throw line, making just 13 of 23 attempts. The Express, on the other hand, made 18 of 22 to stay in the game.
The Gators return to action Jan. 7 with a home game against the Washington Adventist junior varsity team. They follow that with six consecutive road games, including three conference matchups.
For more information on VPCC, visit www.vpcc.edu.