#1 Ranked Vikings (20-0) Best Team In The State, Dominates #7 Cabrillo and MPC
Saratoga, Calif. - The West Valley College Men's Basketball team picked up yet another pair of conference victories last week, defeating #7 Cabrillo College in a 93-69 blowout win at home, and then Monterey Peninsula College on the road. The Vikings (20-0 for the first time in school history) have won 4 straight conference games and as they maintain their undefeated season.
In the first game against Cabrillo (the #7 ranked team in the state), the starting trio of Elijah Mahi, Shakir Odunewu, and Jeremiah Dargan finished with double figures in the winning effort. Elijah Mahi (20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, & 3 steals) and Shalkiru Odunewu (17 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, & 1 block) each played well as Dargan had a particularly strong outing with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist on top of his 6-for-12 shooting performance, including 4-for-8 from deep. Dargan's electrifying first-half buzzer beater from near half court helped the Vikings to a 52-28 first half lead. Baron Bracey also put in some work at the PG position as he finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
West Valley shot better than 50 percent from the floor, finishing the game with a 31-of-55 mark for a 56.4 percent clip. The Vikings also knocked down an impressive 12-of-20 from 3-point range at 60 percent, their second highest on the season.
West Valley quickly found themselves with a 20 point lead to start the second half and they cruised to a 64-42 advantage with 10 minutes remaining . The Vikings lead the entire night and completely dominated in the 24 point victory.
Two nights later, West Valley College emerged triumphant against Monterey Peninsula College, defeating them 77-49 on Friday night for their 20th straight win on the season. Led by the dynamic play of Jeremiah Dargan and Shakir Odunewu, the Vikings were well orchestrated on both ends of the floor.
Shakir Odunewu, the Vikings dominant big man, proved to be a formidable force throughout the game. He contributed 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. Odunewu consistently finds ways to impact the game on both ends of the court.
Jeremiah Dargan, also exhibited an impressive performance. Dargan finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal, and a pair of blocks. Dargan's well-rounded effort played a pivotal role in West Valley's offensive dominance while shooting an extremely efficient 8-for-10 from the field, including 3-for-4 from deep.
Elijah Mahi contributed 9 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 block, orchestrating the offense and facilitating opportunities for his teammates. Baron Bracey finished with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
West Valley College went 29-of-55 from the floor shooting 52.7 percent, including 10-of-24 from deep at 41.7 percent.
The Vikings are back at home on Wednesday night (Jan. 24) and will matchup against Gavilan College. The game is set for a 5:30 P.M. PT tip and will be live-streamed on the West Valley College Athletics YouTube page.