Devon Banks glides in for a bucket against the Lobos
Posted: Jan 19, 2020
Playing without the state's #12 scorer, their starting point guard and their sixth man, the West Valley basketball team limped to a 74-55 loss to visiting Monterey Peninsula Friday night.
With Ben Baker, Leland Estacio and Ryan Hewitt - and their combined 35 points, 13 rebounds and five assists - watching from the sidelines, the Vikings couldn't overcome a frigid 36% shooting night and an opportunistic Lobo squad that remained unbeaten and atop the Coast-South standings at 3-0.
The teams traded baskets for much of the opening half until a 7-3 MPC run in the closing two minutes gave the them a 32-26 lead at intermission. The Vikings (11-7, 2-1 Coast-South) were only outscored 29-27 from the field in the second half but a 13-2 deficit from the charity stripe after the break (18-3 overall) sealed their fate.
Sufyan Elkannan paced the WVC scorebook with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Adam Afifi finished with 15 points and led both teams with ten boards and four blocks. Devon Banks knocked down six points and pulled down nine rebounds. Rashaun Wooden led the Lobos with 16 points, all in the second half.
The Vikings head to San Jose City Wednesday (1/22) for a 7:00pm tilt against the Jaguars (6-14, 1-3).
