ANTELOPE VALLEY COLLEGE TOURNAMENT : Santa Monica Bounces Host and Will Face Valley for Title

Antelope Valley College has shown marked improvement in its first season under Coach Newton Chelette. But at least one goal of the Marauders won’t be realized this season--the championship of their own tournament.

Santa Monica spoiled the host school’s chances by combining domination on the backboards with quickness and some outstanding free throwing to post a 78-68 victory Friday in a championship semifinal game.

The win moves Santa Monica (7-2) into tonight’s championship game against Valley. Antelope Valley will play Harbor for third place.

Antelope Valley was paced by Joe Mantashigian’s 17 points and guard Paul Ernst added 16 points and Guard Dedan Thomas had 14 points.

Valley 70, Harbor 68--Steve Ward scored six of his game-high 23 points in the final five minutes, including a 15-foot jump shot with 48 seconds left, to lift Valley to the championship game.

Glendale 89, Golden West 82--Bruce Heicke scored 21 points to lead four Glendale players in double figures and advance Glendale to the fifth-place game.

Canyons 82, Palomar 68--Forward Eric Clark scored 20 points to lead a balanced Canyons attack as the Cougars (3-4) won a fifth-place semifinal game.