Servite Falters in Clutch, Loses to Morningside

A year ago, Adam Anderson’s clutch free-throw shooting helped Servite defeat Inglewood Morningside for the Southern Section III-A championship.

But during Tuesday night’s rematch in the III-AA semifinals, Anderson’s free throws down the stretch wouldn’t fall.

And this time, neither did Morningside. Morningside held off a furious second-half Servite rally and earned a 63-59 victory over the Friars at Valencia High School.

The top-seeded Monarchs (20-6) meet Estancia in Saturday’s championship game at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

Anderson scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to keep the charging Friars within striking distance but missed on three of five free-throw attempts in the final five minutes.

In the final minute, Anderson twice had the chance to bring Servite within two points with a pair of free throws but missed two of three one-and-one chances.

“If there’s a kid you want on the line in that situation, Adam is it,” Servite Coach Richard Smith said.

With 3 minutes 16 seconds left in the third quarter, it didn’t look as if Servite’s free-throw shooting would have any bearing on the outcome. Morningside held a comfortable 47-32 lead, but Servite wouldn’t quit.

Ryan Dodd scored 10 points in the final three minutes of the third quarter to bring Servite to within 51-45 going to the fourth. Consecutive baskets by Dodd and Anderson had Servite within 51-49 with 6:28 left.

Morningside, however, never relinquished the lead. The Monarchs extended the advantage to 62-54 with 1:50 left, but two quick baskets by Anderson made it 62-58 with one minute left.

Anderson was fouled after making a steal with 42 seconds left but made only one free throw to make it 62-59. Anderson then made another steal and was fouled but missed the front end of the one-and-one.