COLLEGE ROUNDUP : SCC Falls to Defending Champions

John Naro scored six three-point baskets--five in the second half--but they weren’t enough to prevent Southern California College’s 67-62 loss to Biola in an NAIA District 3 basketball playoff game Tuesday at Biola.

Defending champion Biola (21-11) advances to Saturday’s semifinals, where it will play top-seeded Azusa Pacific (28-3), a 91-72 victor over Fresno Pacific, at 8 p.m. at Whittier College. SCC finishes 19-12.

Naro, who made six of 12 three-point attempts, finished with 19 points. Teammate Mike West had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

“John is a very good shooter and Mike always plays tenacious and aggressive, but Biola had many ways to beat us with its athleticism, and it did,” SCC Coach Bill Reynolds said.

Said Biola Coach Dave Holmquist: “West just raises the level of the whole SCC team. We tried to guard Naro tight, but it’s hard to guard a good shooter.”

Reynolds said two turnovers and costly fouls in the final minutes also hurt the Vanguards.

After a rebound of Scott Campbell’s shot with 15 seconds left to play, West’s layup cut Biola’s lead to 65-62. Campbell missed a three-pointer, however, with six seconds left to help ensure the Eagles’ victory.