Pivotal third propels Providence boys’ hoops to Sutton title

BURBANK — Last season, the Providence High boys’ basketball team won the Independence League title and to start this season, the Pioneers had a chance to add a fresh title to their collection.

The host Pioneers took charge against Agoura in the third quarter on the way to a 53-38 victory in the 29th annual Paul Sutton Tip-Off Classic Saturday night at Providence High School.

“That team gave us a lot of trouble,” first-year coach Brandon Lincoln said. “We had to wake up and fight through the adversity.”

Providence (4-0) led 25-23 at halftime before scoring the first 10 points of the third quarter to take control of the final over Agoura (6-3). Instrumental in the run was Tevan Khudatyan, who had two baskets, and Bryce Whitaker who drained two three-pointers in the pivotal opening to the second half.

“I felt like we were on our heels [in the first half],” Lincoln said. “I wanted to pick up the pressure a little bit. Although it was not the best we’ve had defensively, I wanted to speed them up and take them out of their comfort zone.”

Khudatyan, who was the catalyst for the Pioneers throughout the contest, was named tournament most valuable player and had a game-high 19 points in the final.

“I think we just came as a unit and played together,” Khudatyan said.

The senior transfer from Maranatha spread his points throughout the contest, scoring four, six, six and three points in quarters one through four, respectively.

“Ever since I decided to come to Providence, I just said I just need to make an effort to get to CIF,” Khudatyan said. “We were in November and now we’re in December and we want to play until March.”

Whitaker was named to the all-tournament team. The sophomore had nine points in the deciding contest.

Collin Ferrell and Joe Whelan had nine points each, as well.

The Providence advantage peaked at 18 points with just over two points left in the game following a free throw by Khudatyan. Earlier in the quarter the Pioneers had a 6-0 run with Ferrell notching two baskets in the spurt.

“We got tremendously lucky. That was a great team that gave us a lot of opportunities to stay in it,” Lincoln said.

Charger Jojo Poirier had a team-high 12 and was named to the all-tournament team. Agoura forward Chase Gibson added 10 points in the final and also made the all-tournament team.