Matadors Beat Pacifica in OT, Close In on Title
It was one of those games neither team deserved to lose.
Pacifica, looking to tie Bolsa Grande atop the Garden Grove League standings, gave an inspired effort from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Bolsa Grande, meanwhile, unveiled a high-flying attack highlighted by three-pointers and electrifying dunks.
But there’s always a loser, and on this night Bolsa Grande senior forward Jon James made sure it wasn’t the team wearing dark blue and red.
James took a pass from guard Omar Amaral and muscled his way into the paint for a basket with one second left in overtime to put the finishing touches on Bolsa Grande’s 77-74 victory Wednesday night at Pacifica.
James, who was fouled on the play, missed his free throw, but Mariner guard Kelly Gurnea’s heave at the buzzer was well short as Bolsa Grande swept the season series.
The Matadors (17-5, 8-0), who for all intents and purposes wrapped up the league title, rallied from a 62-52 deficit midway through the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime tied at 68.
James led the way for Bolsa Grande with 26 points, 15 rebounds and eight blocks. Amaral, a sophomore, added 25 points and guard Will Montgomery had 15.
James’ basket with two minutes to go in regulation tied the game at 65. After guard Chris Lavin’s three-pointer gave the Mariners the lead again, Bolsa Grande’s Will Montgomery answered with a three-pointer of his own.
Pacifica (11-10, 6-2) led only once in overtime, 70-68 on two Kevin Cook free throws. Cook finished with 11 points. Center Joel Bruck led the Mariners, who converted 12 three-pointers for the game, with 18 points and Kelly Gurnea had 11.
“The kids did a great job,” Pacifica Coach Bob Becker said. “They didn’t have a lot of things go their way, but they played a great game.”
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In other league games:
La Quinta 74, Santiago 50--Matt Blanchard had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Daniel Chan added 10 points and five steals for host La Quinta (8-14, 4-4).
Los Amigos 43, Garden Grove 40--Joby Nanthavong’s two fourth-quarter three-pointers were the difference in the game for host Los Amigos (9-13, 5-3). Jackson Nanthavong and Peter Vu each scored 10 points for the Lobos.
Nick Davis scored 11 points for Garden Grove (4-16, 2-6).
