The Long Beach City College men's basketball team got the 2014-15 season off to a 1-2 start at the Desert Tip-Off Tournament last weekend at College of the Desert.
The Vikings opened the tourney with an 85-61 win over Imperial Valley, but fell to host Desert in overtime 103-93 and closed the weekend with a 94-61 loss to San Bernardino Valley College.
Sophomore Chris Spencer (Jordan HS) had a big opening weekend for the Vikings as he averaged 20 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Spencer made his presence felt in the Imperial Valley win, as he posted 21 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks. He had his second double-double with 25 points and 11 boards against Desert before ending the tournament with a 14-point, two-rebound effort against SBVC.
Sophomores Brandon Staton (Poly HS) and Elijah Gaines (San Pedro HS) also started strong. Staton averaged 15.3 points, including a 23-point game against Desert. Gaines put up 11.7 points per game, as he scored 13 vs. Imperial Valley and Desert.
Long Beach returns to action on Wednesday (Nov. 12) at 5 p.m. when the Vikings host Cypress College in their home opener at the Hall of Champions Gym.