Three-Headed Monster Leads Tigers Past Moorpark in Season Opener

The Riverside City College men's basketball team was robbed from competing for a 2019-20 state title. The factor that met them at the rim was COVID-19, but the Tigers weren't the only ones swatted from an appearance at West Hills Lemoore College in March of 2020.

Riverside was one of eight teams, one of four in the Southern region, to reach the state playoffs only to not play in the final tournament for a chance at the crown due to the pandemic. With that being said, the Tigers are out for blood this go around with five returners and a gang of newcomers that are ready to make a statement.

The Tigers headed up the coast to participate in the Ventura College Tournament beginning on Thursday night with a showdown against the Moorpark College Raiders. RCC put up 96 points and saw three players drop 20 or more points leading to a commanding win.

Riverside was money from the floor as they boasted a 61.8 shooting percentage which included a 9-for-14 mark from long range (64.3%). Additionally, they dominated the board with 44 rebounds to the Raiders' 30.

They shared the wealth as they connected for 44 assists despite 17 turnovers. Additionally, Riverside never surrendered the lead as there was no lead changes and only one tie which came on the opening two buckets.

In his inaugural debut, freshman guard Lynden Paul dropped a game-high24 points that featured a 6-for-7 clip from long range. He flirted with a triple-double by dishing out seven assists and hauling in six rebounds; two coming on the offensive end.

Freshman big man Robert Ayala was a beast with 22 points. The majority of his damage was done in the paint, but he buried the two three pointers his fired off. He added five boards and swatted one shot.

Sophomore guard Zekiah LoVett picked up right where he left off during his freshman campaign with 23 points and quick trigger from deep featuring a 5-for-6 mark from three-point land. He had seven rebounds, a steal and an assist.

The offensive facilitator in sophomore point guard Melvin Walker was quiet but effective with eight points and three assists, while freshman Jalen Monroe was the workhorse on the floor with seven boards, four assists and one block on a lone bucket.

Riverside (1-0) will face off against Pasadena City College on Friday, November 5 at 4 p.m.