Sea Kings Shut Down University

Everyone knows the adage that says defense wins championships, but in the case of Corona del Mar High and the Pacific Coast League boys’ basketball title, it should be amended.

Defense wins at least a share of the championship.

Unveiling a newly developed matchup zone defense Tuesday night at Corona del Mar, the Sea Kings stifled University’s long-range attack and defeated the Trojans, 69-52.

The Sea Kings (19-6, 5-2) clinched at least a share of the league title and can clinch it outright with a victory Friday at Costa Mesa.

“The fat lady is just warming up,” Sea King Coach Paul Orris said. “We’ll celebrate this now, but we’ll get refocused for Costa Mesa.”

For University (15-10, 4-3), it is the second league loss in a row to a team the Trojans had defeated in the first round. University used an effective outside attack to defeat Corona del Mar, 76-65, on Jan. 19.

But the new defense was the story Tuesday.

“Last time, they would get it inside then kick it outside for open looks,” said Kevin Hansen, who had 28 points and nine rebounds for the Sea Kings. “But with this new [defense] we hoped they wouldn’t get those looks.”

For the most part, it worked. University made only 17 of 60 field-goal attempts (28%) and the three-point attack that the Trojans depend on could muster only an eight-for-28 performance.

“Our defense really kept them off balance,” Orris said. “We never let them get a flow going. We really focused on staying out on their outside shooters. This was a great win. A great, great win.”

University trailed, 44-29, with 4:22 left in the third quarter, but made a run to get back in the game. Jason Garey and Andy Lawrence combined for three three-point baskets in a span of one minute, 26 seconds and the Trojans were within six, at 46-40.

But the threat didn’t last long. University made only three field goals the rest of the game, including a scoreless stretch of 3:36 in the fourth quarter, and the Sea Kings made their first seven field goals to open the fourth quarter for a 66-47 lead.

“When they pulled to within six, we got a little scared,” Hansen said. “But we just stepped it up on defense.”