SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : DIVISION III-A : Vlasic Triggers a Fourth-Quarter Surge to Lift Pacifica Over La Canada

Pacifica’s Chris Vlasic led a fourth-quarter surge that carried the Mariners to a 59-54 victory over La Canada in the Southern Section Division III-A semifinals in front of more than 2,000 Friday night at Rancho Santiago College.

Vlasic scored 11 of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter to put the Mariners (26-1) into the title game against San Dimas next Saturday at the Anaheim Arena.

La Canada (26-3) was the state’s top-rated Division III team and promptly took a 9-0 first-quarter lead before the Mariners could get untracked.

“Their kids have been here before, and they were a little more comfortable than we were at the start,” Pacifica Coach Bob Becker said. “It was a first for us to be here so it took us a little while to get a grip.”

Pacifica regrouped and led, 39-38, going into the fourth quarter when Vlasic hit a three-pointer and two more baskets to give the Mariners a 46-38 lead with 5:35 remaining. La Canada closed the gap to 46-43 on Tim Ballard’s three-point basket with 4:03 left. Pacifica’s Ramon Alliman countered with a three-pointer at 3:36 remaining for a 49-43 lead.

La Canada suffered a major blow when leading scorer Eric Sanchez (18 points) fouled out with 1:41 remaining and his team trailing, 53-49.

Down the stretch, Vlasic hit two free throws, Dean Vargara scored with 22 seconds remaining and Alliman scored on a slam with 13 seconds left for a 59-51 lead. Alliman hit on all five of his field-goal attempts to contribute 13 points. Pacifica shot 56% from the field.