Vikings run past Roadrunners

PALM DESERT • The Barstow Community College men’s basketball team picked up its first Foothill Conference win of the season, beating College of the Desert, 84-68, on Saturday.

The Vikings stayed out in front the whole game. The visitors held a 45-38 lead at halftime, and kept building on that edge in the final 20 minutes.

Barstow got a double-double from Emani Gant, who netted 20 points and took down 12 rebounds. Shey Mataele led the offense with 22 points, including six 3-pointers, while Erik Burns (12 points) and Denzel McCloney  (11 points) were also in double figures. Evan Jenkins grabbed seven rebounds and dished off four assists.

The Vikings (3-12) host Mt. San Jacinto on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. tip-off, and will also be home Saturday, facing Chaffey College at 3 p.m. The Saturday match will be preceded by the women’s game at 1 p.m.