Athletes in Action Shades USD, 82-79

Lorenzo Romar scored 20 of his team-leading 21 points in the second half to lead Athletes In Action to an 82-79 victory over the University of San Diego in a basketball exhibition game Friday night at the USD Sports Center.

Romar scored six of his points in a two-minute span late in the second half to help AIA (3-3) break open a tight game. With AIA leading, 73-72, Romar scored on a free throw, a three-point jump shot and a breakaway dunk to put AIA ahead, 79-72 with 2:12 remaining.

Moments later, Romar drove the lane for a layin to make it 81-74. USD closed the gap on a three-point shot by Paul Leonard and then in the final seconds had two chances to tie. But freshman guard Craig Cottrell missed a three-point jumper and, after USD rebounded and called time out with three seconds left, Mark Manor threw away an inbounds pass.

“The good thing about this game was that we played well,” USD Coach Hank Egan said. “The bad thing was that we didn’t execute very well.”

USD started fast, opening a 10-1 lead on two baskets each by Scott Thompson and Manor and a jumper by Leonard. After the Toreros increased their lead to 17-7, Egan replaced his starters and AIA got back in the game. USD still led, 39-34, at halftime.

The Toreros were led by Manor’s game-high 22 points and 17 from Leonard.