More suspense than a Steinbeck novel

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Talk about the Grapes of Wrath.

Rancho Cucamonga, which is surrounded by vineyards, obviously has the recipe on how to mash Etiwanda’s unrelenting man-to-man defense.

The Cougars handed Etiwanda its first loss of the boys’ basketball season Tuesday night, as Justin Long sank two free throws with 30 seconds remaining to give Rancho Cucamonga an 88-87 victory in Baseline League play.

It’s the most points the Eagles have allowed this season. The second most also came against the Cougars in a 77-73 victory on Jan. 11. In fact, only four of 24 opponents this season have scored more than 60 points against Etiwanda.

The Eagles had been winning the close ones, including nine games that were decided by 10 points or less.

They looked as if they were finally putting some distance between themselves and their opponents, beating top-25 teams Upland by 14 points and Corona del Mar by 15 last week.

Rancho Cucamonga, however, seems to have figured out Etiwanda’s expiration date.

-- Dan Arritt