Hancock to Play for Share of Conference Title, Hosts Oxnard Saturday at 3 p.m. in Regular Season Finale

Resilient may be the best word to describe the Allan Hancock College men's basketball team. Despite having just seven active players on their roster since the start of Western State Conference play, the Bulldogs are one victory away from winning a share of the conference title. The Bulldogs host Oxnard in their regular season finale on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. inside the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.

"I am extremely proud of this group of seven players, three redshirts and assistant coaches, who have persevered through adversity to give us an opportunity to play for a title," said second-year head coach Tyson Aye.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 63-44 win at Santa Barbara City College where four players scored 10 or more points, including 13 from Arroyo Grande High School graduate Matt Willkomm. Lawrence Johnson led the Bulldogs with 16 points, while sophomore forward Shamel Williams added 14 points. Arinze Anakwenze added 10 points and three blocked shots against SBCC.

"We have really come together and worked hard since day one to win a championship," said Willkomm, a freshman guard. "We will continue to pour our hearts and souls into it to make our dream become a reality."

Willkomm will face off against a former teammate at Arroyo Grande High, Oxnard forward DeSean Scott. The freshman scored 24 points last month when the Bulldogs defeated the Condors in Oxnard 73-60. Willkomm set a career-high with 26 points behind seven three-pointers in the victory.

If Hancock defeats Oxnard, the Bulldogs will share the title with Cuesta, and possibly LA Pierce. Cuesta finished conference with a 9-3 record. Hancock and LA Pierce are both 8-3 with one game remaining. LA Pierce hosts Santa Barbara on Saturday.

"Winning a conference championship was one of the team goals we set back in October," said Aye. "We have not accomplished anything yet. Our team is focused on taking one day at a time and controlling what we can, which is our effort and attitude."

Hancock seeks its first conference title since the 2010-11 season.

Tickets to the game on Saturday are $6 for adults and $3 for seniors and people under 18 years of age. Hancock students and faculty receive free admission.

In the result of a tie for first place at the top of the standings, whether it is between two or three teams, Cuesta will receive the conference's automatic berth and top seed for the playoffs. The California Community College Athletic Association will announce the 20 teams participating in the playoffs on Monday, Feb. 23. The first round of Regionals is Wednesday, February 25. Hancock has played in the postseason the last four years.