Mater Dei vs. Etiwanda

GAME OF THE DAY

Santa Ana Mater Dei (29-0) vs.

Etiwanda (25-4) at Fontana Miller

Tonight, 7:30

Why it matters: Mater Dei, ranked No. 1 in the nation by several publications, is coming off a rare close game, having beaten Moreno Valley Rancho Verde, 72-65, on Tuesday. Mater Dei shot only 41% and allowed Rancho Verde to make 49% of its attempts. If the Monarchs are going to reach next Saturday’s Southern Section Division I-AA final at the Honda Center, they will have to do a much better job on the defensive end. Etiwanda is known for its patience and scoring balance, along with playing solid man-to-man defense. The 6-foot-9 Perris Blackwell and 6-5 Christian Katuala will be entrusted with stopping Mater Dei’s 6-10 Wear twins, David and Travis. The other semifinal game matches Riverside King (25-2) against Compton Dominguez (25-5) at Rancho Verde.

-- Eric Sondheimer