Hot Shooting Helps Saddleback Men Roll

Saddleback used torrid first-half shooting to turn what could have been a challenge into a laugher, beating Mt. San Jacinto, 91-78, in a second-round men’s basketball regional playoff game Wednesday at Saddleback.

The Gauchos (31-2) made 22 of 31 shots in the first half, including seven of eight from the three-point line, and led by as many as 30 before taking a 58-30 lead at halftime.

Saddleback guard Adrian Aguayo scored 18 of his team-high 21 points in the half, making four three-pointers without a miss.

“I told myself that before I left Saddleback, I would hope to have a half like that,” Aguayo said.

The Gauchos will play Ventura in the third round Saturday at home, with the winner advancing to the eight-team state tournament March 8-10 in Stockton.

“It’s going to be tough to duplicate that type of shooting,” Gaucho Coach Bill Brummel said. “That kind of lead fools you into thinking you’re doing better than you are.”

Derrick Jones finished with 27 points for Mt. San Jacinto (20-13).