MARAUDER MEN'S BASKETBALL HOLDS ON TO WIN CONFERENCE OPENER AGAINST GLENDALE 75-71

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

LANCASTER - It probably wouldn't be considered one of its best games this season, however, the Marauder men's basketball team was able to squeak out a hard-fought victory in the Western States Conference opener against Glendale College.

AVC (15-1, 1-0), in quest of a third consecutive conference championship since joining the division, had four players score in double figures, Jalen Etienne (14 points), Chris Martin (13 points), Cory Dollarhide (12 points) and Nevell Lenard (10 points).

The Marauders led 43-37 at halftime, but Glendale had a resurgence in the second half by hitting five of its first six shots and capturing a six-point lead. AVC regained momentum later in the second half and led 73-65.

Glendale (4-9, 0-1) was able to cut the lead to 73-71 following two free throws with less than 15 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, the Marauders turned the ball over with 11 seconds remaining, only to have Glendale turn it right back over a second and a half later. Etienne was able to hit two free throws to seal the win.

AVC has only lost two conference games the past two seasons, both coming against Citrus College, a team that the Marauders will face on Saturday evening.

"We're something like 26-2 over the past two years (in this conference) so nobody likes us and I consider that a great compliment for our team," head coach John Taylor said. "You look through the years of great programs and they're always kind of hated. I take that as a big compliment, but it also puts a little bit of pressure on our guys. They just have to relax and play."