Keiona Mathews

Despite sophomore forward Keiona Mathews scoring 40 points, the College of the Canyons (8-12, 2-3) fell to No. 1 Ventura College (20-3, 5-0), 97-79, at the Cougar Cage on Saturday afternoon.

From the opening tip Canyons fell behind as the Pirates jumped out to a 15-4 lead in the first five minutes of the game. Mathews helped the Cougars cut into the deficit, 38-23, and scored nine of COC’s 11 next points, helping Canyons go on an 11-6 run. Both teams exchanged baskets to close out the final five minutes of the half, but the Cougars found themselves down by 17 points, 51-34, at halftime.

The game got out of hand for COC in the second half as they squad fell behind by as many as 29 points. Canyons made a few runs, but Ventura would always counter back.

Mathews accounted for half of COC’s points with her 40 and it marked the second time this season that she has eclipsed the 40-point mark this season. Mathews also led the team with 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. Sophomore guard Shawn Kolani turned in 17 points and six assists and was the only other person to turn in double digit scoring.

COC’s bench only had 13 points in the loss. The Cougars shot 41.9 percent (31-74) and Ventura shot 59.3 percent (35-59).

The Cougars will travel to Allan Hancock on Wednesday, Jan. 29 for a 5 p.m. matchup.