The Mustangs ended an 11-game losing streak with a commanding victory over the College of Alameda Friday, Jan. 30. The game gives the Stangs their first win in the Bay Valley Conference.

Forward Wayne Englestad led the team’s offense with 31 points on 10 shots, nine of which came beyond the 3-point line. Aaron Silva, at 5 feet 8 inches, contributed to the defensive side by pulling down seven rebounds.

As a team the Mustangs totaled 22 defensive boards and Head Coach Derek Domenichelli said those were important to the victory.

“I thought that was the key to our winning tonight. We rebounded much better than we have throughout the season,” he said, “It was our guards and bigs that came through with the rebounds, especially late in the game that got us over the hump.”

While he gave the credit to crashing the glass, Alameda Head Coach Robert Bishop said Domenichelli deserves admiration for preparing his team.

“It was a great close game. Coach [Domenichelli] did a wonderful job getting the team ready tonight.” He said, and then added about his own team, “While we played well in spurts, we just couldn’t close the game.”

While Alameda had trouble closing out the game, the Mustangs did not, for the first time in conference play this season. The win puts an end to the tough start that was plagued by injuries and Domenichelli said this game should help them build for the rest of the season.

For the next game at Mendocino the team needs to “get refocused Monday and Tuesday at practice, and if they play like they did tonight I like our chances,” said Domenichelli.

With only five more games left in the season the Mustangs hope to finish strong and salvage what has been an underperforming season to date.