Overtime Loss Ends Glendale’s Run in Playoffs

Experience paved Glendale College’s way to Saturday night’s third-round game of the Southern California regional against third-seeded Rancho Santiago.

But it was host Rancho Santiago’s poise that sent the Dons on to the state tournament quarterfinals with an 86-84 overtime win.

With Rancho Santiago trailing, 83-82, Gene Altamirano hit a three-point shot to give the Dons (29-3) a two-point lead with 25 seconds to play in overtime.

Bruce Heicke (28 points) had an opportunity to tie the score after he was fouled on a layup attempt with four seconds remaining.

However, Heicke’s first free throw missed off the front end of the rim. After a timeout, Heicke sank the second free throw. Glendale fouled John Guerrero with two seconds remaining.

Guerrero made the first shot of a one-and-one but missed the second. Glendale grabbed the rebound but was unable to get a shot off before time expired.

Altamirano finished with 28 points and made six of nine from three-point range. Six-foot-9 center Matthew Lien added 21, mostly on short turnaround jump shots.

Glendale (24-12) trailed, 75-68, with 2 minutes 51 seconds to play. However the 11th-seeded Vaqueros, playing with all five starters from last season, almost won the game in regulation.

Justin Lord hit a short shot to give Glendale a 77-75 lead with three seconds to play.

Rancho Santiago’s LaVern Broadnax was fouled on a desperation 16-foot shot with a second to play.

Broadnax made two free throws to send the game into overtime.

Glendale led, 34-33, at the half.