Valley Hangs On Against Outmanned Pasadena, 58-57

With Pasadena City reduced to four players for the final 2:18, Valley College pulled out a 58-57 victory in a Southern California men’s basketball first-round playoff game Saturday night at Valley College.

Chanzie Washington made a go-ahead 18-foot shot with 21 seconds left and added two free throws eight seconds later for Valley.

The No. 27-seeded Lancers (12-20) had seven players available, two fewer than usual. When center Franklin Temple became the third Pasadena player to foul out, the Lancers were forced to play with four players.

Nate Wilson made the second of two free throws after Temple’s foul, cutting the Monarchs’ deficit to 53-52. DaMarcus Ellis was called for a player-control foul on Valley’s next possession, but Nate Wilson made the second of two free throws with 53 seconds left, tying the score, 53-53.

The Lancers took a 54-53 lead 21 seconds later when Lamar Lawrence made the second of two free throws. Washington responded with a go-ahead basket from just inside the three-point line.

Michael Crawford made the first of two free throws with 13 seconds left, putting Valley ahead, 57-54. Darelle Rowe made a 30-foot three-point basket as time expired for Pasadena.

Washington scored his 15 points in the second half, including three three-point baskets, and was the only Monarch in double figures.

Valley allowed the first nine points and did not score until Wilson’s layup 6:03 into the game. The Monarchs led, 24-20, at halftime.

Valley held a 48-42 lead, but Pasadena scored eight consecutive points for a 50-48 lead with 3:17 left.

Clarence Jones’ dunk off Rowe’s long alley-oop pass culminated the run, but Jones was called for a technical foul for taunting, which was his fifth personal foul.

Ellis made one of the two ensuing free throws.

Rowe had 20 points.

Valley plays No. 11-seeded Fullerton (22-10) at home in a second-round game on Wednesday.