Girls’ basketball: Division II Regional final preview

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Ayala (29-5) vs. Mira Costa (27-6), L.A. Sports Arena, 2 p.m., Saturday

Both of these teams were beaten in the section finals. Mira Costa wasn’t even one of the two favorites to reach the Southern Section Division I-A finals, but the fifth-seeded Mustangs are legitimately in a position to go on to the state title game. They were beaten by Redondo a week ago for the section title, 56-42, but on Thursday avenged that loss to the top-seeded Sea Hawks, 41-37, in overtime.

Mira Costa has won both its regionals in overtime. It has size with aggressive rebounder Mikah Maly-Karros, (15.8 rebounds) and finesse with perimeter shooter Megan Richardson. Both are averaging 17 points a game. If the Mustangs can control the glass, they probably win.

Second-seeded Ayala likes an up-tempo game and is shooting 49% from the field. The Bulldogs have an array of offensive threats, Rebekah Gardner (20.1 points), Jasmin Holliday (14.1) and Rhema Gardner (11.9).

-- Martin Henderson