BOYS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Mendoza’s 31 Spark Brethren Christian

Guard Richard Mendoza made two three-point baskets in overtime, including the game-winner with 25 seconds to play, to give Brethren Christian a 77-74 victory over host Capistrano Valley Christian Tuesday at St. Margaret’s School in San Juan Capistrano.

Mendoza finished with a career-high 31 points and helped Brethren Christian (11-7, 5-0) remain atop the Olympic League standings.

Forward Troy Rodarmel of Capistrano Valley Christian (13-3, 3-2) sent the game into overtime by driving the lane to tie the score at 67-67 with nine seconds remaining in regulation.

Brethren Christian’s size and depth were difficult for Capistrano Valley Christian to handle, but the Eagles, who suited up only seven players, managed to stay close behind the excellent floor play of point guard Marquis Patterson.

“We knew we could go inside on them and score,” Brethren Christian Coach Richard Thomas said. “When (Eagle center) Chuck Carlsen got his third foul, we went inside a little more.”

Capistrano Valley Christian entered the game as the second-ranked team in the Southern Section’s Division V-AA, but Eagle Coach Art Jenkins later admitted he underestimated Mendoza’s shooting ability.

Mendoza made 12 of 19 shots against Capistrano Valley Christian’s soft zone defense and missed only three three-pointers.

“Mendoza had the game of his life,” Jenkins said. “I had scouted them several times and he had never shot anywhere near what he did tonight.”

Scott Hairline led Capistrano Valley Christian with 27 points before fouling out in overtime.

In other league games:

Orange Lutheran 64, Whittier Christian 62--Rod Sherman made a three-point play with six seconds left to cap a rally by Orange Lutheran (8-7, 3-2), which trailed, 49-36, after the third quarter.

Tom Howard, who scored all 15 of his points in the second half, led the Lancers’ rally. Howard made four three-point baskets and was fouled on another attempt and made three free throws.

Calvary Chapel 74, Ontario Christian 49--Sabe Younger scored 27 points and Chase Lubbock added 21 for visiting Calvary Chapel (7-10, 2-3).

In the Express League:

Bethel Baptist 68, Huntington Beach Claremont 46--Asir Fiola had 27 points for visiting Bethel Baptist (1-6 in league). Gavin Watson had 24 points and 16 rebounds and Steve Kimble had 20 points, including four three-pointers, for host Claremont (3-7, 1-6).

In the Academy League:

Liberty Christian 96, South Gate Southeast Lutheran 44--Toby Curto had 40 points, including 14 in the first quarter, for host Liberty Christian (10-4, 2-1).