Noland Nets 21, Vikings Cage Panthers 85-77 to Stay Unbeaten in the Coast

Robert Noland hits two of his game-high 21 points against Hartnell
Robert Noland hits two of his game-high 21 points against Hartnell

Robert Noland banked in his first three-pointer just before the shot clock expired early in the opening half. His second attempt found the bottom of the net after bouncing high off the back of the rim. Most everything Noland did worked Friday night, as he led the West Valley basketball team to an 85-77 win over visiting Hartnell. Noland canned a career-high 21 points, including four treys, to pace a Viking offense that had four players reach double figures. Devante Johnson had 11 second-half points on his way to 18, while Jacquez Walker and Cristian Mejia knocked down 15 and 14 points, respectively. Walker made up for a pair of late turnovers by sinking two free throws that gave WVC an 81-70 lead at 1:05. He was then fouled after grabbing a key defensive rebound with 9.9 seconds left and calmly drained two from the stripe at the other end. Walker's subsequent steal of the Panther inbound pass sealed West Valley's third straight Coast-South victory. The Vikings (9-10, 3-0 Coast-South) trailed 17-6 before Noland ignited a 30-16 run that led to a 36-31 WVC lead at the break. Mike Green and Renee Hurtado led the Panthers (8-12, 1-3) with 17 points apiece. West Valley heads to San Jose City (0-18, 0-3) Wednesday (1/23) for a 7:00pm tilt with the Jaguars.