NAIA District III Playoffs : SCC Holds Off West Coast for NAIA Playoff Victory

Jeff Stephens of Southern California College made some timely three-point shots, and Randy Wynne made seven of eight free throws down the stretch Tuesday night as the Vanguards defeated West Coast Christian, 113-103, in the opening round of the NAIA District III playoffs at Costa Mesa.

SCC (22-7) led by as many as 20 points in the first half behind the shooting of Rob Lucas, who had 18 points in the half.

But West Coast Christian of Fresno, the seventh-seeded team in the eight-team tournament, closed to within four against the No. 2-seeded Vanguards in the closing minutes.

“These kids always find a way to make it close,” said Bill Reynolds, SCC coach. “I don’t know if we don’t have a killer instinct or the personnel to have a killer instinct. We must have given the ball up three or four times with a three-on-one (in the first half). Even though we were up by 17 (at halftime), we should have blown them out.”

SCC might have stayed comfortably ahead had Lucas, who didn’t take a second-half shot until there was 9:15 left, been more involved in the second-half play. Lucas, a 6-foot 8-inch center, scored three points in the second half, and finished with 21.

Still, the Knights (16-14) could never get closer than four--and that was with 20 seconds left--largely because of Stephens.

“Every time they knocked on the door, there was Jeff with a three-pointer,” Reynolds said. “He’s really shooting with some confidence.”

Stephens made four three-point shots in the second half, five in the game, to finish with 20 points. Wynne, who made his seven free throws in the final 1:13, scored 28. Jon Haar added 20 points for the Vanguards, who play Point Loma in the semifinals of the tournament in a 6 p.m. game Saturday at Chapman College.

Champ Pannel, who made 6 of 10 three pointers to keep West Coast close, scored 28. Glenn Parrish added 27 and Ed Clark 26 for the Knights.

Biola 121, Christ College of Irvine 72--Ellis Yarrell scored 34 points and had 9 rebounds and Johnny Griffin had 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead Biola.

Biola (27-1) led, 52-34, at halftime. Mark Lofink scored 17 points and Paul Wear and Victor Townes each added 13 points for the Eagles (13-17).