VENTURA – West LA College opened the 2025-26 men's basketball season with a pair of wins, including an 85-81 victory over Riverside City College on Thursday at Day 1 of the We Play Hard Tipoff tournament, hosted by Ventura College.

The two squads battled in a close opening-day game. West LA held a slim 38-36 lead at halftime but fell behind midway in the second, 77-70 with seven minutes to play. But the Wildcats responded with a 12-3 run, capped by a three-pointer from Chase Coleman, to go back out in front for good at 82-80 with 1:14 remaining.

Jase Stewart's layup with 40 seconds left proved to be the game-winner. Riverside missed a pair of potential game-tying shots and Stewart's late free throw iced the West LA victory.

Coleman, Stewart, and Qiani Bowens all scored 14 points each to lead the Wildcats. Coleman added 6 rebounds and 2 assists while Stewart opened the season with a double-double thanks to 10 rebounds.

Jamier Moore was also solid in his season debut, posting 10 points and 9 boards.

West LA came back on Friday and closed the two-day event with an 82-72 victory over Saddleback College.

The Wildcats, now 2-0 overall, are back in action on November 14-16 when they will compete at the San Bernardino Valley College Alvin Hunter Classic. West LA is set to face Moorpark College on Friday at 6 p.m.