Laibow Responds on Cue With Overtime 3-Pointer

Sometimes you just have to listen to your coach.

Agoura High’s Brian Laibow did and the Channel Islands boys’ basketball team did not during their Marmonte League game Wednesday night at Agoura High.

The result? Laibow sank a three-point basket at the buzzer in overtime to give the Chargers a dramatic 73-72 victory.

“I just told him to do what comes naturally,” Agoura Coach Kevin Pasky said.

He did.

Laibow scored seven of his 21 points in overtime, including the game-winner with Channel Islands Coach Gary Abraham yelling to his team, “No threes!”

“I was just looking to take it to the basket,” Laibow said. “With time running down it was a natural instinct to pull up.”

Andres Garcia, who made six of 10 three-point baskets and scored 23 points for the Raiders (12-6, 5-4 in league play), made one of two free throws with four seconds remaining for a 72-70 lead.

Laibow, who made only six of 23 shots, took the inbounds pass after the second free throw to the top of the key, pulled up and let the ball fly.

“He’s been in a shooting slump,” Pasky said. “I told him just to do what he could to help us win.”

Agoura used a full-court press in overtime, forcing three Channel Islands turnovers, which led to four Agoura points. All eight of Channel Islands’ overtime points came on free throws.

Ryan Yeager had 10 points for the Chargers (12-6, 6-3), including a three-pointer with six seconds remaining in regulation to tie the score at 64-64.

Both teams got balanced scoring, with four players from each side in double figures.

Charles Merricks, who had 21 points for the Raiders when they defeated Agoura, 73-55, last month, scored 17.

Josh Portnoy had 16 points for the Chargers and Joel Weiss added 14.