Pirates go 2-0 at Milt Stowe Classic

The Porterville College men's basketball team had a successful weekend, winning both games of its home tournament, the Milt Stowe Classic. The Pirates opened play on Friday with a thrilling 63-61 victory over Bakersfield College and closed out the two-event on Saturday by defeating Moorpark College 90-78.

PC is off to one of its best starts in program history under new head coach Amaurys Fermin at 5-1.

The Pirates opening contest against Bakersfield came down to the final minutes. But it didn't start off well as Porterville trailed 33-24 at halftime. In the second, the Pirates chipped away at the lead and with seven minutes to play, PC built up a 53-43 lead.

Bakersfield responded with an 11-0 run over the next three minutes to go back out in front 54-53. But with 3:20 left, Quame Smith's put-back bucket after a missed free throw gave PC the lead for good at 55-54. Porterville put together a 7-0 run and was able to hold off a late Bakersfield surge.

Chirrag Sidhu led Porterville in the win with 14 points. Isaiah Josue totaled 10 points and 5 assists while Julio Phipps had 7 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Smith ended the game with 9 points and 5 rebounds.

The Pirates return to action on Wednesday (Nov. 24) when they travel to De Anza College for a 5 p.m. non-conference game.

2021 Milt Stowe Classic Results
Day 1
Moorpark 99, West Hills Coalinga 97
Porterville 63, Bakersfield 61

Day 2
Bakersfield 72, West Hills Coalinga 51
Porterville 90, Moorpark 78