Bradford buzzer-beater lifts Pirates to win over Bakersfield

Tayshawun Bradford nailed the game-winning three-pointer with three seconds remaining in the contest.
Tayshawun Bradford nailed the game-winning three-pointer with three seconds remaining in the contest.

Sophomore Tayshawun Bradford nailed a three-pointer from the right corner with seconds remaining to lift the Porterville College men's basketball team to a 78-75 non-conference victory over visiting Bakersfield College on Friday night.

The win evened up PC's record at 4-4 this season.

Bradford's clutch shot closed out an epic battle between the two squads that saw a close game with numerous ties and lead changes.

The Pirates and Renegades were tied 25-25 at halftime. With 2:04 left to play in the contest, Jacob Daguman sank a pair of free throws to give PC a solid seven-point lead (78-65). But Bakersfield responded with a 7-0 run, including a three-pointer by Tyrell Coleman with 12 seconds remaining, to once again tie up the ball game.

With time running out, Porterville's Dominic King dribbled the length of the court and found Bradford near the corner. He calmly sank the three-point basket with three seconds left on the clock. Bakersfield desperation three-point attempt was no good and the Pirates held on for the win.

Bradford led PC with 19 points in the contest and added six rebounds and three assists. King and Dustin Henderson both added 14 points each in support of the win. King had seven assists while Henderson grabbed seven rebounds.

Porterville returns to action on Thursday (Dec. 12) when the Pirates will compete at the SBCC Holiday Classic in Santa Barbara. They will face LA Valley at 8 p.m. in their opening game.