DIVISION I-AA ROUNDUP : Capistrano Valley Overcomes Physical Play, Beats Millikan

Imitating the rough play of host Long Beach Millikan, fourth-ranked Capistrano Valley found itself in early foul trouble and consequently held a seven-point lead at the half.

But the physical play was short-lived, as the Cougars poured in 45 second-half points, handing the Rams a 78-63 loss in the Division I-AA playoffs.

The Cougars (19-9) were called for 14 first-half fouls with starting point guard David Sedgwick collecting three in the first quarter. The Rams committed 12 of their 29 fouls during the first two quarters.

“The calls went both ways, but it was a physical game,” Capistrano Coach Mark Thornton said. “All of our big guys played well and that’s what we have to do to win against a team like this.”

The big guys Thornton was referring to were Ted Blinn (21 points) and Eric Seiffert (19). The two dominated the smaller Rams, who did most of their scoring from the perimeter.

Senior guard Nick Holt scored 30 points to lead the Rams.