COAST CHRISTMAS CLASSIC : No. 1 Tustin Defeated by Jordan in Overtime

Tustin High School lost its composure and a fourth-quarter lead in the semifinals of the Coast Christmas Classic Friday night. As a result, the Tillers lost in overtime to Long Beach Jordan, 60-53, at Estancia High School.

The Panthers went on an 11-4 run in overtime to win the game. They made six of eight free throws in the final minute.

Jordan had led at halftime, 27-24, and controlled most of the third quarter. But Tustin (11-2), the No. 1-ranked team in Orange County, came alive at the start of the fourth quarter.

An 11-0 run gave the Tillers a 45-40 lead with 6 minutes 8 seconds left. They led, 49-44, with 2:11 remaining when everything fell apart.

Two turnovers allowed Jordan (9-4) to pull even. After stealing an inbound pass, Rodney Harris made a three-pointer to cut the deficit to two. Joe Rosborough stole the ball and fed Daryle Bryant for a layup to tie the score at 49.

“We couldn’t hold onto the ball and that killed us,” Tustin Coach Tom McCluskey said. “We played lackadaisical all night and it hurt us at the end.”

Jordan and Tustin had chances to win the game in the final minute of regulation.

Jordan’s Harris, who made seven of 10 shots, missed a three-point attempt with 52 seconds left. Tustin ran down the clock, but Derek Roche missed a 15-foot jumper. Jentry Moore grabbed the rebound, but his five-footer rolled off the rim at the buzzer.

In overtime, Harris (18 points) made two free throws to give Jordan the lead. Deandrae Smith then scored off an offensive rebound and was fouled. His free throw gave the Panthers a 54-49 lead.

In the other semifinal:

Edison 52, Estancia 46 (2 OTs)--The Chargers reached the tournament final for the third time in four years in a game that was called with four seconds left. Brandon Jessie scored 17 points, icluding a tip-in with 23 seconds left in the second overtime to clinch the victory. The game was called by officials after the ball went into the stands and Estancia fans refused to give it up. Edison’s Todd Smyser was shoved by fans while trying to retrieve the ball, causing both benches to empty.

In the consolation semifinals:

Corona del Mar 61, Estancia Reserves 39--Jon Upham scored 15 points to lead Corona del Mar (6-7). The Sea Kings will play Banning for the consolation championship today.

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