Gators post big win

The Virginia Peninsula Community College men's basketball team, which had been off since Dec. 20, finally returned to the court. The long rest didn't adversely affect the Gators, as they rolled to a 99-66 victory over Oxford College of Emory University (Ga.) on Sunday, Jan. 12., their first game in more than 20 days.

Sincere Moore (Matoaca High School in Chesterfield) had 22 points and five steals for the Gators, who improved to 9-4 overall and 2-0 in Region 10. It was Moore's fourth 20-point game this season and second consecutive. Chris Cyrus (Hampton Christian Academy) added 15 points and six rebounds. He made three 3-pointers. D'Cameron Haynes (Munford HS/Memphis, Tenn.) contributed 13 points, and Chris Hayes (Nansemond River) nearly had a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

The Gators, who beat Oxford College 75-62 in early December, were in control from the tip and led 46-30 at the half. They shot almost 50% from the field (42 of 85) for the game and forced 28 turnovers while committing just 11.

"We did a good job taking care of the ball," coach Chris Moore said.

VPCC had a quick turnaround, playing again Jan. 13, at Sandhills (N.C.) Community College at 4 p.m. That game was postponed from Jan. 11. Sandhills is the No.3 ranked team in the country, but Moore is confident in his team and was looking forward to the challenge.

"We're looking good," he said.

The Gators return home Jan. 15 to play Washington Adventist's junior varsity squad at 7 p.m. at SafeHaven Empowerment Center in Newport News. That game originally was scheduled for Jan. 7, but was postponed because of inclement weather.

After the Jan. 15 game against Washington Adventist, the Gators won't return home until Feb. 8 against Sandhills (N.C.) Community College. That is followed by two more home games – Feb. 12 against Paul D. Camp and Feb. 15 against Patrick & Henry Community College - to close out the regular season.

For more information on VPCC, visit www.vpcc.edu.