NAIA DISTRICT BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : SCC Advances to Finals on Overtime Free Throws

Two free throws by John Mounce in the final 12 seconds of overtime helped send Southern California College’s men’s basketball team to the NAIA District 3 finals.

After Mounce hit his free throws, which gave SCC an 85-83 lead over Westmont, Rick Witmer and Terry Scruggs made three additional free throws in the final seconds to give the Vanguards an 88-83 victory over the Warriors in the semifinals Saturday at Whittier College.

The victory advanced SCC to the finals for the second consecutive year. The Vanguards will play Christian Heritage (29-5) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Whittier College. Christian Heritage advanced by defeating Fresno Pacific, 84-69. Last year, SCC lost the championship to Biola, 65-60.

“Mounce made the heady decisions for us when we needed them,” SCC Coach Bill Reynolds said. “I don’t know where we would be without him.”

On playing for the championship, Reynolds said, “I’m just thankful to be here and it doesn’t matter who we play. The top four teams in the district are even; it’s just a matter of who plays well on a given night.”

Mounce, who was fouled by Westmont’s Deron Oates, said his goal was to draw a foul and make both free throws. He later stole the ball from Westmont’s Chris Brown, which helped set up Witmer’s game-ensuring free throw in the final four seconds.