GIRLS’ BASKETBALL : SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS : Brea-Olinda Overcomes Palos Verdes

Allison Bickel hit two free throws with 26 seconds left to tie the score, and Tammy Blackburn made one with 1.3 seconds remaining to give Brea-Olinda a 47-46 victory over Palos Verdes Saturday in Southern Region Division III championship game at the Sports Arena.

The Lady Cats, defending State champions, won their 55th consecutive game.

Brea-Olinda (33-0), ranked fourth in the nation by USA Today, will defend its State Division III championship Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum Arena against Northern California champion Auburn Placer, which beat San Jose Lynbrook, 60-39, Saturday.

Palos Verdes (29-6) took a 40-35 lead on a basket by Lisa Humphries, who scored 18 points, with about seven minutes left. But the Sea Kings, who lost to Brea-Olinda, 50-33, in the Southern Section 3-AA championship game last Wednesday, committed six turnovers in the fourth quarter.

The Lady Cats tied the score, 44-44, on Jody Anton’s basket, but Humphries responded by scoring with 47 seconds left.