Game of the Day

GAME OF THE DAY

Pasadena (22-5) at Long Beach Poly (22-5)

Tonight at 7:30

Why it matters: This Southern Section Division I-AA second-round playoff game will rekindle memories of a strong rivalry between the teams dating back to Pasadena’s 56-49 victory over Poly in the 1977 4-A championship. Pasadena has won 17 consecutive games since starting the season 5-5. Pasadena Coach Tim Tucker attributed his team’s slow start to injuries to forward Steven Adams, center Joseph Henson and guard George Toyama. All have returned except Adams, who underwent brain surgery earlier this month to remove a mass behind his right eye. Poly is led by junior guard Shelton Boykin and senior guard Michael Mayes.

THURSDAY’S RESULT

Crenshaw 79, Los Angeles Jordan 76

Leading contributors: Junior swingman Duece Zaid scored 18 points and senior forward Moriah Johnson had 12 for host Crenshaw in the City Section Division I first-round playoff game. Senior forward James Boyd had 23 points and 21 rebounds for Jordan.

The scoop: Junior forward Emmett Duvall, playing in his first game after gaining his academic eligibility, scored 10 of his 11 points in the fourth quarter.

Why it matters: Sixth-seeded Crenshaw rallied from a nine-point deficit to avoid a repeat of its 2005 home upset against the 11th-seeded Bulldogs. Crenshaw will play Tuesday at third-seeded Woodland Hills Taft, a 104-39 winner over 14th-seeded Gardena.

Records: Jordan 22-5, Crenshaw 19-3.

-- Ben Bolch