South Torrance Boys Edge Torrance, 69-67

The South Torrance High boys’ basketball team shot poorly from the field and was outrebounded, but held off Torrance for a 69-67 Pioneer League victory Wednesday at South.

“This game was really important to us because, as I told the guys, we may lose a game to Torrance or Centennial when we play them again,” South Coach LaMont Henry said. “They still have to play each other again so this was a really big win.”

Both South (17-3 overall, 4-0 in league play) and Torrance (7-11, 2-2) have four league games remaining.

Neither team led by more than seven points in the game. South took a 22-21 lead after one quarter and the score was tied, 34-34, at halftime.

Point guard Michael Dean scored 10 points in the third quarter to help Torrance to a 50-49 lead. Dean’s shooting helped offset the shooting of South guard Jason Anthony, who had 13 points in the quarter.

The lead changed hands six times in the fourth quarter.

After Torrance took a 66-64 lead on a basket by center Joe Otos with 1 minute, 9 seconds remaining, Anthony made a three-point basket to give the Spartans a 67-66 lead with 57 seconds left.

Guard Jimmy Williamson secured the victory for South with two free throws with 10 seconds remaining.

Dean brought Torrance within two points when he made the first of two free throws with five seconds remaining. But he missed the second and time ran out as players scrambled for the rebound.

It was difficult loss for Torrance Coach Bob Little, who saw his team win the rebounding battle, 48-26.

“When we outrebound a team like that you’re supposed to be winning,” he said. “In searching for answers, I’m trying to see how the stats can show us dominating so much in one important aspect and we still lost.”

Henry said South is adopting a motto used by the football team.

“Our football team used the motto, ‘Whatever it takes,’ and our team is sort of taking that motto,” he said. “You’ll see guys taking charges if that’s what it takes for us to win.”

Little credited South’s outside shooting down the stretch. The Spartans made three three-point baskets in the final quarter, including two by Williamson.

“They came up with the key three-point shots,” Little said. “That’s the kind of shots that they live and die on and this time they made them.”

South was led by Anthony with 27 points. Williamson had 22, including 14 in the fourth quarter. Dean led Torrance with 20 points and forward Andre Dupin added 18.