Basketball Teams Suffer Losses

Virginia Peninsula Community College’s men’s basketball team suffered its sixth consecutive loss with a 54-45 defeat Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Chesapeake College in Maryland.

The Skipjacks (5-8) led 20-16 at the half and never trailed the final 20 minutes. Chris Hayes led the Gators (4-7) with 14 points. Kenny Page had eight points and nine rebounds. The Gators were outrebounded 53-39, and made just 1 of 20 3-pointers, while Chesapeake went 8 for 26 for long distance.

“Tough loss to end the semester, but we got better defensively,” said Gators coach Chris Moore. “Overall, I think we got a lot of positives out of (the) game. Each game is an opportunity for our guys to grow up and grow together. These tough losses will turn into wins over this next semester. Adversity to prosperity.”

It was the team’s last game before the holiday break. The next game is Jan. 6 at Mountain Gateway Community College. The Gators follow it with six more road games before returning home Feb. 3 for a rematch with Mountain Gateway.

Women’s basketball

The women’s team dropped its second consecutive game, also losing to Chesapeake College on Tuesday, Dec. 19. It was their first game in nine days.

The game was tied at 21 after the first 10 minutes, but Chesapeake (7-5) outscored the visitors 50-21 in the middle two quarters on the way to an 86-59 victory.

Zariia America had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Gators (2-3). Nia Williamson added 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Gators’ next two games are at home, Sunday, Jan. 7, vs. Central Carolina Community College, and Saturday, Jan. 13, vs. Frederick Community College.

For more information on VPCC and its athletics programs, visit www.vpcc.edu.