ORANGE LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Sabbara’s Surge Keys Western

Sam Sabbara’s seven points in the final 2 1/2 minutes of the third quarter sparked Western High’s 65-51 victory over Orange League rival Savanna Wednesday at Western High.

Western led, 43-41, when Sabbara was fouled by Eric Preuss while making a basket. The officials called a technical on Preuss for swearing after the call. Sabbara hit all three free throws, putting Western ahead, 48-41. A few seconds later Sabbara scored inside to increase Western’s lead to 50-41.

“We needed to do something to change the game’s tempo and those seven points did it,” said Sabbara, Western’s senior forward. “That was the turning point.”

Sabbara finished the game with 22 points (seven of 14 from the field, including one three-pointer, and seven of nine from the line). He also had seven of Western’s 35 rebounds and six assists.

“That’s my game: hit points, get the boards and make the passes,” Sabbara said.

Savanna Coach Tom Gregory removed Preuss from the game after the technical. Gregory said Preuss’ swearing at the official “showed defiance against me.” He was unsure if Preuss would be disciplined further.

Once Western took over the lead, Savanna’s offense fell apart. The Rebels could only hit three of 13 field goals in the fourth quarter. Ben Smith, who scored 24 points in his last outing, was scoreless for the first time this season.

“From the end of the third quarter we just couldn’t hit anything,” Gregory said.

The Pioneers (15-5, 6-1 in league) can tie for first place by defeating Brea-Olinda Friday at Western. Savanna is 14-9, 4-3 in the league.