San Clemente Dodges Late Shots

Although University endured a horrendous shooting night, San Clemente still didn’t escape with its 74-71 victory until Eric Palmer’s three-point shot bounced off the rim at the buzzer.

San Clemente sophomore Brian George, promoted from the junior varsity for the playoffs, provided a boost, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds, in the Southern Section Division I-A first-round boys’ basketball playoff game Friday at University High.

Mitch Pierce, filling in for injured starting point guard Oscar Montecinos (broken foot), scored 17 points and Semaj Johnson had 16 for San Clemente (13-13), which advanced to the second round and will host Mater Dei, a 69-44 winner over La Verne Damien, Tuesday.

University (15-10) couldn’t extend its season after struggling against San Clemente’s 3-2 trapping zone. The Trojans never found their rhythm, making 30% (20 of 67) from the field and only 16% (four of 25) from three-point range. They also committed 22 turnovers.

Palmer, who averages 23 points, finished with 17 but made only two of 14 from the field. He made 11 of 15 free throws.

Sharpshooting teammate Jeff Groendal also had an off-night, making only one of 10 shots for four points. The pair made 144 three-pointers during the regular season. But Friday, they made only three of 17.

“When we looked at halftime and saw they only had nine field goals, we were real happy,” San Clemente Coach Brad Davis said. “They usually get that in a quarter.”

Despite the ragged play--the teams combined for 67 free throws and 42 turnovers--University still had its chances in the final minutes.

Senior reserve Justin Hunt (18 points, nine rebounds) helped pull University within two, 69-67, with a minute to play. But Palmer lost the ball on the next possession after penetrating.

Thirty seconds later after Johnson made one of two free throws Palmer got a good look at a three-pointer but missed. And his last potential tying shot was set up by a rare call.

After two free throws by George made San Clemente’s lead 74-69 Johnson stole the ball and went in for a dunk and an exclamation point on the victory.

However, his dunk attempt missed and he was whistled for a technical foul for hanging on the rim. Palmer sank the two foul shots with three seconds remaining, but his final shot fell short.