Late Free Throws by Goodrich Secure Valley Win in OT, 87-86

Valley guard Gary Goodrich sank two free throws to break a 81-81 deadlock in overtime Wednesday night, and the Monarchs held on to defeat Harbor, 87-86.

Goodrich’s shots came with 47 seconds left in the five-minute overtime after a technical foul was called on the Harbor bench. It was called because of a new rule to keep players seated.

Seconds after sinking the free throws, Goodrich was fouled and scored two more for insurance. Anthony Stevens scored the final two points as Valley boosted its record to 2-1.

The game was a sloppy one for Valley. The Monarchs had a number of turnovers off errant passes, but shot 71 percent from the floor.

“We still had a lot of turnovers, but that’s going to happen with a young team,” said Coach Virgil Watson afterwards. “I’ll take turnovers and character over no turnovers and no character.”

Leading Valley’s assortment of characters was forward Mario Lopez. Lopez, a sophomore from Notre Dame High, had 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and four blocked shots. Teammate Eric Hardin had 16 points, three rebounds and nine assists.

The Monarchs fought back from a 65-52 second-half deficit to tie the game with 4:50 left on a shot under the basket by Lopez. Earlier in the half, the Monarchs didn’t score during one five-minute period.

The score was tied, 75-75, at the end of regulation. Harbor’s Craig Johnson tied it on two free throws after a Monarchs turnover.

Harbor (0-1) was led by Johnson, who had a game-high 26 points.