OLYMPIC LEAGUE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Orange Lutheran Spared by Missed Three-Pointer, 72-69

Ruben Oronoz hit three three-point baskets for Whittier Christian, but the one he missed in the final 10 seconds helped decide Friday’s game with Orange Lutheran.

Orange Lutheran defeated Whittier Christian, 72-69, at Orange Lutheran High. Matt Bode’s two free throws in the final seven seconds and Daryl Cole’s steal at the buzzer ensured the Lancers’ victory.

The schools are tied for second place in the Olympic League with 7-4 records. Orange Lutheran (13-9 overall) hosts first-place Valley Christian at 7:30 tonight.

“This was a tight game and the team that made the fewest mistakes won it,” Whittier Christian Coach Bob Brown said.

Whittier Christian’s Kevin Wilch attempted to tie the game with a three-pointer in the final seconds but he lost the ball to Cole.

“The ball just slipped out of his hands and went into my hands,” said Cole. Cole, who had 29 points, hit five three-point baskets in the first half and had four rebounds for the game.

“Daryl just seems to do what needs to be done at the right time,” Orange Lutheran Coach Jerry Simmons said. “It’s nice to have a shooter who can do so many things.”

For Orange Lutheran, Brian Bedord had 12 points and 10 rebounds, Bode had seven points and six assists, and Luke Aucoin had seven assists.

Dan Long scored 20 points, Oronoz had 17 and Joe Kostantarakis 16 for Whittier Christian (11-10).

Santa Margarita 70, Ontario Christian 65--Santa Margarita made 13 of 15 free throws in the final quarter and shot 51% from the field to remain tied for third place in the eight-team league. Dan Bathey scored 22 points and teammate Mike Carpenter added 15 points and six steals for Santa Margarita (9-11, 6-5).

Brethren 74, Capistrano Valley Christian 59--Forward Chiron Hart scored 15 points for visiting Brethren (14-6, 7-4). Nathan Owens and Chris Elliott each scored 16 points for Capistrano Valley Christian (8-12, 2-9).