Altamirano Paces Rancho Santiago

Gene Altamirano’s three-pointer with 25 seconds left in overtime was the key as Rancho Santiago defeated Glendale, 86-84, in the third round of the Southern California regional playoffs Saturday at Rancho Santiago.

The basket gave the Dons a 85-83 lead. Altamirano finished with 28 points and made six of nine from three-point range and Matt Lien added 21.

“Glendale has five guys who play together well as a team,” Rancho Santiago Coach Dana Pagett said. “A team like that is hard to defend, but we held our poise.”

Rancho Santiago (29-3) advances to the quarterfinals starting Thursday at UC Irvine.

Glendale had led, 77-75, when Rancho Santiago Vern Broadnax was fouled as he missed a 16-footer. But he made both free throws to send the game into overtime.