Brea Cracks Under the Pressure, Loses to Serra

San Diego Serra sputtered for a half, but then the Conquistadors hit their stride and broke open a six-point game at halftime to cruise past Brea Olinda, 66-51, in a Division II Southern California Regional boys’ basketball playoff Tuesday at Serra High.

Senior James Profit scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half and his younger brother, Julius, scored 15 of his 17 points after halftime, highlighting the surge for Serra (26-4), which advanced to play top-seeded Compton Dominguez.

Serra’s full-court press and half-court trapping defense frustrated Brea (26-10) throughout the game, forcing 20 turnovers.

Although Brea controlled the tempo in the first half and stayed close, the Wildcats converted only two of their first 10 shots from the field. And it didn’t get any better for Brea.

“We didn’t attack their press,” Brea Coach Bob Terry said. “Usually, that’s a strength for us, but tonight, we looked stagnant. I can’t explain it. We just didn’t come to play, it’s as simple as that.”

Although Brea senior Ryan Wilber scored a game-high 23 points, the rest of the Wildcats struggled.

Ryan Moore scored 11 of his 13 points after halftime, but had no three-pointers. Facing Serra’s quicker and athletic defenders, the Wildcats usually proficient perimeter game faltered. Brea made only one of 15 three-point attempts.

Brea junior Landon Lewis entered the game shooting 51% from the field, but made only three of 10 from the field, including one of seven from three-point range. He finished with nine points.

Despite Brea’s struggles, Serra was sweating early in the third quarter after Brea had pulled to within four, 29-25. That prompted a timeout and a quick scolding from Serra Coach John Labeta.

“James was starting to disappear,” Labeta said. “So I told him it was time for him to step up. And every time I’ve asked him to step up this season, he’s done that.”

Profit, averaging 22 points, had only four at halftime, making two of 10 from the field. But right after the timeout, he made a tough 19-foot jumper over Wilber to push the lead to 31-26 with 5 minutes 57 seconds remaining in the quarter.