Pirates Bounce Back, Dominate Imperial Valley 91–44

After dropping a close contest to Palomar College on Friday, the Palo Verde Pirates men's basketball team bounced back in dominant fashion, defeating Imperial Valley College 91–44 at the Battle of the Desert Classic.

Compared to their opener against the Comets. where they shot 42.6 percent, the Pirates connected on 56 percent of their field-goal attempts, converting 33 of 59 shots. They were also efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 25 three-pointers for 40 percent.

Freshman guard Vic Newsome (Sandy Creek High School) led the Pirates with 29 points. The Clayton County, Georgia native also added seven rebounds, five assists, and a steal.

Fellow freshman guard Adam Hubbard (Dream City Christian High School) turned in a strong all-around performance with 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

Sophomore guard Salameh Dugan-Maraboto finished 7-for-12 from the field en route to 19 points. The Northridge, California product also paced the team with seven assists and contributed four rebounds, two steals, and a block.

The Pirates finished 1–1 at the Battle of the Desert Classic and will now prepare to travel to San Jose for the San Jose City Tipoff. They will face San Jose City College on Thursday, Feather River College on Friday, and Foothill College on Saturday.