Royal Puts Guard Up, Beats San Fernando

Trailing by 14 points at halftime of its Hart tournament quarterfinal game against San Fernando High, Coach Larry Wiskell of Royal asked his team for five players who could play defense.

The Highlanders’ responded to Wiskell’s challenge, limiting San Fernando to 21 second-half points in a 76-66 victory on Tuesday.

“I didn’t think we’d be able to come back,” said Wiskell, whose team faces Saugus in a semifinal tonight at 6:30.

” 1/8San Fernando 3/8 was on fire in the first half. We put a little bit more pressure on them and didn’t give them the open looks they had.”

For Royal (5-5), Adam Segal scored 34 points, Dan DeOliviera added 15, all in the second half, and Christian Ronquillo had 14, including four three-point baskets.

Mike Hernandez had 23 points, including five three-point baskets, for San Fernando (5-6).

The Highlanders needed 4:02 of the second half to erase the Tigers’ 45-31 halftime lead.

Segal scored seven points and DeOliviera six on two three point-baskets during a 15-0 run that put Royal up, 48-47.

There were four lead changes the rest of the quarter, which ended with the Highlanders ahead, 57-56.

Hernandez’s basket opening the fourth quarter gave the Tigers their final lead, 58-57.

Royal responded with six consecutive points.

After Art Gallegos of San Fernando ended that run with a basket, the Highlanders clinched the victory when DeOliviera scored six points and Segal hit three free throws during a 9-0 run that put Royal ahead, 72-60, with 3:30 left.

“I told our players at halftime to play like it’s zero-zero, but I think they took it literally and played zero,” Coach Oscar Mesta of San Fernando said. “I told them to come out and play aggressively, but they didn’t play aggressively and committed too many turnovers. 1/8Royal 3/8 wanted it more.”

Jose Montes scored 15 of his 17 in the first half for San Fernando, sinking three three-point baskets in the second quarter. Steve Nevarez added 12 points before fouling out with 2:27 to play.