Orange Coast College

Men's Basketball: Pirates tagged by Lasers, 85-73

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College men's basketball team watched the visiting Irvine Valley College Lasers put on a shooting display in the Pirates' 85-73 Orange Empire Conference loss on Wednesday night.

The Lasers (11-16, 1-7 in conference) shot an incredible 76.2 percent from the field (32-of-42), including a Larry Bird-esque 18-of-19 from the field from the IVC reserves (94.7 percent). Leading that reserve charge was Andrew Arnold, who was a perfect 10-for-10 from the field for 20 points. Starter Jeff Ledbetter added 18 points, while Matt Ballard was a point away from a double-double (nine points, 11 rebounds).

While the rims were friendly for the guests, they were downright rude to the host Pirates (9-17, 2-5) as they shot just 37.7 percent from the field (23-of-61), including 7-of-28 in the first half. Eric Williams led Coast with 18 points, while Martin Whitmore added 16.

OCC returns to action on Friday at Saddleback before returning to the Peterson Gym to take on Cypress. Both games will tip off at 5:30 p.m.