Rancho Santiago Loses Game, Wins Title

Rancho Santiago was upset by Orange Coast, 95-91, in overtime Saturday, but the Dons still clinched the Orange Empire Conference men’s basketball title.

Riverside and Cypress, the only other teams that remained in the race, also lost Saturday. Saddleback beat Cypress, 67-65, and Golden West downed Riverside, 93-75. It was the second consecutive conference title for Rancho Santiago.

Saturday’s victory was the biggest of the season for Orange Coast (11-17, 3-7 in conference). Jeff Porter had 29 points and 17 rebounds, Agustin Heredia had 22 points and Jason Quinn added 12 points for OCC.

Michael Wenzlaff made a three-pointer for OCC as time ran out in regulation to tie it at 83. The Pirates took the lead for good at 90-89 on a free throw by Porter with 1:14 left in overtime. OCC made five consecutive free throws after that to stay on top.

Ruben Oronoz and Fred Amos scored 18 points each for Rancho Santiago (20-9, 8-3), the two-time defending State champions.