SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : DIVISION III-AA BOYS’ ROUNDUP : Estancia Finds a Way to Advance

Take away one option and Estancia just goes to the next.

When El Dorado tried to stop center Matt Fuerbringer in the first quarter, Jeff Byrne took over for Estancia. When El Dorado adjusted in the second half, Fuerbringer dominated.

In between, a number of other Estancia players turned in strong performances as the Eagles rolled to an 81-64 victory in the second round of the Southern Section Division III-AA playoffs Tuesday night at Estancia.

The second-seeded Eagles (21-6) advance to the quarterfinals Friday against Newbury Park at a site to be determined.

Byrne, 6 feet 7, scored 10 of his 17 points in the first quarter when El Dorado (14-13) denied the ball to Fuerbringer in the post. Byrne was effective driving to the basket, making five of five shots from close range.

After Estancia opened a 37-28 halftime lead, Fuerbringer put the game away for the Eagles with a 15-point, four-rebound third quarter. Fuerbringer, who finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, scored nine consecutive points in the final two minutes of the quarter to extend Estancia’s lead to 61-40.