Mar Vista Beats Marian in Playoff

Mar Vista High School hit nine straight free throws in the second overtime Saturday to defeat Marian, 79-71, at Southwest High and earn a berth in the San Diego Section 2-A boys’ basketball playoffs.

The Mariners, who tied Marian for second place in the Metro-South Bay League, were led by Jim McClusky, who had 31 points and 15 rebounds. Ricardo de la Torre added 17 points for Mar Vista.

The Mariners (7-16) trailed, 52-43, after three quarters, but used a full-court press to rally in the fourth quarter. With the score 62-62, Marian (7-16) had a chance to win in regulation but missed a shot at the buzzer.

The Crusaders also had a chance for the final shot in the first overtime, but the Mariners stole the ball.

Mark Cisneros led Marian with 18 points, David Thompson had 16, Chris Hazeltine 14 and Paul Laudenslager 11.

GIRLS’ PALOMAR LEAGUE Fallbrook 40, Vista 30--Jennifer Jan scored 18 points to lead Fallbrook (16-7) to a playoff berth at San Dieguito High School. The win gives the Warriors the league’s No. 2 spot in the 3-A section playoffs. Freshman Chris Enger led Vista (17-8) with 11 points and 5 blocked shots.