DIVISION III-AA ROUNDUP : Savanna Goes to Boards, Knocks Off Second-Seeded Rim of the World

Savanna’s front-line tandem of Dan Avila and Todd Wilson combined for 26 points and 25 rebounds as the Rebels upset Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World, 63-45, at Western High to advance to the third round of the Southern Section boys’ basketball playoffs for the first time.

Savanna (15-11) dominated the Scots, seeded second in Division III-AA. The Rebels led, 29-22, at halftime, and outscored Rim of the World, 17-3, in the third quarter to take a 46-25 lead. Wilson, who had 18 points, fueled the run with three consecutive baskets in a span of 1 minute 25 seconds midway through the quarter.

The Rebels controlled the boards and limited the Scots to one shot per possession. Avila finished with 17 rebounds and Wilson had eight.

Savanna, which defeated Murrieta Valley, 72-70, in overtime last Friday, will play Santa Margarita in the semifinals Friday.

The Rebels’ large margin of victory surprised Coach C.D. Snider.

“I’m shocked,” he said. “I never imagined anything but a two-point win for us, if that. They had an off night shooting and we did what we needed to do to win the game.”

Plagued by poor shooting, Rim of the World never led. The Scots were forced to foul early in the fourth quarter. But Jermaine Moore made eight of nine free throws to help the Rebels maintain their lead.

Rim of the World was led by Chad Robinett with 18 points.