COLLEGE ROUNDUP : The Master’s Final Surge Leaves SCC With a Loss

Leads and deficits didn’t last when Southern California College and The Master’s met in a nonconference NAIA District 3 game Saturday night in Costa Mesa.

The last scoring run in a game of streaks belonged to The Master’s, which dominated the final five minutes to win, 92-88.

With 16 minutes left, SCC trailed, 55-46, but battled back to take a 75-72 lead at the 5:15 mark after a 12-4 run. But at that point, The Master’s (15-7) answered with a quick 12-2 spurt to go ahead, 84-77, with 2:45 remaining.

The Vanguards (15-5), ranked No. 19 in NAIA Division I, committed three consecutive turnovers during The Master’s run.

“I think our post guys got a little fatigued with all the comebacks back and forth, and we got a little careless,” SCC Coach Bill Reynolds said. “The Master’s is a big, physical team, and they put together a good run at the end.”

SCC, which opened a 29-18 lead in the first half behind the three-point shooting of Rick Witmer and the inside play of Mike West, came no closer than three points the rest of the way.