Irvine Valley Ousted When Glendale Rallies

Glendale College rallied from a 12-point deficit in the first half to defeat Irvine Valley, 80-66, in the second round of the Southern California community college men’s basketball playoffs Wednesday night at Glendale.

The Vaqueros (30-3) took the lead for good, 57-55, on a three-point play by Mark Caguioa with nine minutes to play, but only after the lead changed hands 11 times in a fast-paced second half.

Glendale, which will play at Cerritos in the Southern California final Saturday night, won by successfully defusing Irvine Valley’s three-point attack.

Irvine Valley (29-4) made nine three-pointers in the first half, including five by forward Ben Esplin.

In the second half, Irvine Valley made only one three-pointer and it came with three minutes to play and Glendale holding a 70-62 lead.

Glendale guard Tony Hoggatts, who had 20 points and nine assists, switched to guarding Esplin in the second half.

Esplin finished with 33 points after scoring 21 in the first half. However, he made only two baskets in the second half and missed his only three-point shot.