GOLDEN WEST TOURNAMENT : Antelope Valley Prevails Behind Heroics of Thomas

Just when it looked as if Cypress College had a chance to rally, Antelope Valley’s Dedan Thomas took over and scored four key points to help lead the Marauders to an 89-82 victory in the championship of the Golden West men’s basketball tournament.

After Cypress (9-1) had cut the lead to 79-75 on a three-point basket by Mike Renaud with 2:20 left, Thomas took an inbounds pass and started to dribble along the three-point line. He was near the left baseline when he saw an opening in the Cypress defense and burst toward the basket, making a layup to give Antelope Valley an 81-75 lead with 1:48 left.

Thomas then got a rebound of a Cypress miss and was fouled with 1:17 left. He made both free throws to give Antelope Valley (10-2) an 83-75 lead.

Thomas finished the game with 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds and was voted the most valuable player of the tournament. Paul Ernst led all scorers with 20 points.

In another tournament game:

Glendale 84, Citrus 70--Glendale Coach Brian Beauchemin posted his 200th career victory in the consolation championship.

Bruce Heicke scored 22 points for Glendale (6-5). The sophomore guard had just two points in the first half but made 11 of 11 free throws after intermission.

Glendale led, 35-29, at halftime and increased the lead to 49-39 with 14:40 left on a pair of free throws by Heicke.

Dave Swanson had 20 points--14 in the second half--for Glendale. Justin Lord added 18.