Mater Dei ‘Sluggish’ in Victory

Mater Dei started slowly and finished strong Wednesday, defeating stubborn Santa Margarita, 66-51, in a Serra League boys’ basketball game at Santa Ana College.

The Monarchs (21-2, 4-0), ranked No. 1 in the county, extended their winning streak to nine games, but it wasn’t easy. After defeating its previous eight opponents by an average of 31 points, Mater Dei struggled in the first half against Santa Margarita (19-3, 2-2).

The Eagles trailed by five midway through the first quarter, but a 16-4 spurt over the next six minutes provided them a 24-17 advantage. Mater Dei went on a 13-4 run to end the second quarter and led, 30-28, at intermission.

“We didn’t execute very well and were very sluggish,” Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said. “Sometimes we’re too individual and don’t buy into the team concept all the time. We’re a better team when we all play together.”

Cedric Bozeman had 20 points and five assists, Ricky Porter scored 13 points and Mike Strawberry added 10. Center Jamal Sampson scored six points and blocked five shots.

Adam Tancredi led Santa Margarita with 13 points, managing only three in the second half.

Bozeman took control early in the second half, scoring four points on a steal and basket when he rebounded his own missed free throw. His subsequent three-pointer and a free throw gave the Monarchs a 10-point lead.

“At the beginning of the third quarter, we were down by two and the next thing you know we’re down 10,” Santa Margarita Coach Jerry DeBusk said. “They turned up the heat, started converting, and from then on we’re playing from behind.”