BEVERLY HILLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT : Hart Takes Shot, Can’t Catch Buena

BEVERLY HILLS — It wasn’t until Dave Pinsel’s desperation three-point shot at the buzzer fell short Wednesday that the Buena High basketball team could collectively breathe a sigh of relief.

By withstanding a furious Hart rally in the final three minutes, Buena posted a 54-51 victory and advanced to Friday’s semifinals of the Beverly Hills tournament.

Buena will play against Loyola at 7:30 p.m.

Hart, defending tournament champion, nearly overcame a 10-point deficit in the final minutes.

The Indians’ 35-34 lead after three quarters disappeared when Buena scored 11 consecutive points as Hart went five possessions in a row without a shot.

“We have an inexperienced team and we will learn,” Hart Coach Mike May said.

“There were too many turnovers and we can’t afford to do that due to our lack of size.”

The temporary lapse only set the stage for Hart’s comeback.

Guard Mike Posey hit two three-point shots and converted a three-point play during the run for nine of his 15 points.

Posey’s second three-pointer brought Hart to within 52-51 with 20 seconds remaining, but Buena’s John Tobias sank two clinching free throws.

Ryan Howrey had 16 points for Buena.

Buena improved to 4-1 and Hart dropped to 3-3.

Loyola 73, Cleveland 62--Unable to handle the Lions’ press, the Cavaliers committed 22 turnovers.

Ryan Bailey scored 25 points for Loyola (5-0) and Eric Bible had 11 for Cleveland.

The Cavaliers are 1-4.