Crenshaw Runs Past Mater Dei Again, 71-66

No matter what the odds, the Crenshaw High boys’ basketball team always seems to have Santa Ana Mater Dei’s number.

In the latest battle between the Southland’s top programs, Crenshaw utilized a 17-1 run in the fourth quarter to register a come-from-behind 71-66 victory over Mater Dei in the Southern Regional Division I final at the Pond of Anaheim.

Before an estimated crowd of 8,000, Crenshaw defeated Mater Dei in a regional final for the fifth consecutive time since 1986 and fourth time in the past five years.

The Cougars (26-3) advanced to the state final Saturday night at the Pond, where they will play Alameda St. Joseph, who defeated Oakland Fremont, 76-65, in the Northern Regional final. Crenshaw is the defending state champion.

Mater Dei (31-3) appeared close to ending its dry spell against its City Section nemesis Crenshaw when senior center Mike Vukovich made a layup with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter that gave the Monarchs a 61-50 lead.

Despite a deep bench, Crenshaw looked sluggish most of the second half. For the game, it shot only 42% from the field and was outrebounded, 45-23.

The Cougars played better in the final four minutes, however, erasing an 11-point deficit and taking a 67-62 lead. The run included a crucial three-point play from senior reserve forward Ollie Brent that put Crenshaw ahead for good.

“My teammates and my coaches finally believed in me when it mattered the most,” said Brent, who scored six points. “They gave me a chance to make a play and it was a big one. But we never really doubted we could come back.”

Mater Dei, which had controlled the tempo most of the way, broke down in the final minutes. USC-bound guard Kevin Augustine had two turnovers in the final two minutes, each resulting in Crenshaw points. He finished with 13 points and 10 turnovers.

The Monarchs were still in the game with 16 seconds remaining when a layup by Vukovich cut Crenshaw’s lead to 68-66. Another turnover seconds later thwarted their hopes.

“Their style of play is unique at the end of the season,” said Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight, who in 15 seasons has never beaten Crenshaw. “They want to match shots with you and score and they have a lot of depth. We try to contest them, but it is difficult.”

Senior guard Alastair Faux led Crenshaw in scoring with 15 points. Senior forward Tom Lippold led Mater Dei with 14 points.