The Bakersfield College Men's basketball team beat West LA 91-77 Saturday in Culver City to take sole possession of first place in the extremely competitive Western State Conference South division.
Nick Velasquez led the Renegades with 22 points and 10 rebounds and he also hit six three pointers.
"He doesn't want to get pigeonholded as a shooter," Head Coach Rich Hughes said of Velasquez's second straight double-figure night in rebounding amid a season of incredible shooting from the floor and beyond the three point arc, "and he's been rebounding really well the last couple of weeks. As of late, he's been our most consistent rebounding guard."
In a recent appearance on "The Renegade Report", Velasquez revealed that he's been taking advantage of rebounding opportunities that arise when Bakersfield's 6-9 wing Deandre Dickson draws excessive attention from the opponent.
Dickson continues to show that his quiet performance in a stunning loss to Glendale two weeks ago was an anomaly. He scored 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
"It's a tough place to play," Hughes said of West LA, "It's a dark gym, not well-lit, and there's not a lot of people that go to the games...it's kinda like playing at the park at night."
Point guard Jameik Riviere scored 19 and picked up 11 assists, firming his position atop the State assist per game leaderboards.
The Renegades are approaching the end of the first round of conference play in sole possession of first place in one of the State's most competitive divisions.
"We had to play four road games (in the first round) and we went 3-1," Hughes said, "While next week we have two home games, and as long as we can continue playing strong at home, it bodes well for us winning the conference."
Bakersfield College Atheltics Head Statistician says the 'Gades are winning the bulk of their home games by 25 points this season.
"These will be our first consecutive home games since the Thanksgiving Tournament," Hughes said, "so we've been traveling alot, and it'll be nice not to have to do that as much."
Hughes and his players realize they have positioned themselves to control their own destiny.
They continue their march toward the postseason at home this Wednesday night at 7pm against 2nd place team Santa Monica College