The Bakersfield College men’s basketball team was expected to wind up the regular season against conference foes Citrus Wednesday and Glendale on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Playoff chances? For the Renegades to have any chance at a playoff berth, they will have to win both games, which are on the road, and hope for a “Hail Mary” at-large berth from the selection committee.

This is because the Los Angeles Valley Monarchs knocked down a 3-point shot with three seconds showing on the clock at the Gil Bishop Sports Center to beat BC 71-68, in the final home game of the season Feb. 16. The ‘Gades record now stands at 14-15 overall and 7-5 in conference play.

The uneasy feeling came a game earlier when Santa Monica came to town and whipped the ‘Gades convincingly, 91-61.

The disheartened look on the faces of the ‘Gades said it all as they walked off the court after the game. Their chances of receiving a playoff berth had just been dealt a major blow.

Not only that, but they had just been outplayed in every phase of the game by a strong Corsair team.

“We were outplayed – period!” said head coach Jeff Hughes. “They wanted this game and we were soft. It’s been our weakness all season. This puts us in a tough position as far as the playoffs. We are now in third place behind Santa Monica.”

The top two teams in each division normally receive playoff bids.

The Corsair coaches were delighted with the outcome.

“We played very well,” said head coach John McMullen. “We showed some consistency in our play and were able to keep the pressure on them.”

The Cosairs, led by Richard Bluette and Brandon Williams, shot the lights out from the perimeter, scoring 50 points between them. For BC, Cody Victor had 15 points to lead the ‘Gades in scoring.