by Paul Teetor
The Mira Costa boys basketball team upset the Redondo Sea Hawks 69-68 Tuesday night to grab a share of the Bay League title.
Mira Costa fell behind by double digits Tuesday in the regular-season finale between the teams, but that was a wake-up call for the Mustangs.
They outscored Redondo 24-15 in the final period and survived a last-second shot attempt by Brayden Miner for a thrilling win that gave the Mustangs a share of the Bay League title with the Sea Hawks (23-4, 7-1).
Mira Costa (25-3, 7-1) outscored Redondo 45-33 in the second half.
In the fourth quarter, Mira Costa’s Eneasi Piuleini took over. The 6-foot-6 senior swingman scored 12 of his 22 points in the final quarter, including seven consecutive points to turn a 67-61 deficit into a 68-67 lead.
Later in the quarter, Redondo’s Chace Holley was fouled and he hit one of two free throws, tying the game at 68-68.
On their final possession the Mustangs got the ball to Jacob DeArmas, who was fouled and made one of two free throws for a 69-68 lead.
It was the climax to a thrilling comeback. Redondo led 35-24 at halftime and reached its largest lead, 38-24, on a 3-point play by Hudson Mayes.
Mira Costa was able to hang around, eventually cutting the deficit to five on a basket by Bryson Bryker, 42-37, with 4:29 left in the third quarter.
Redondo answered quickly and pushed the lead back to double digits at 51-40 on a 3-pointer by Miner.
Bryker finished with 14 points and Luke Hammerschmidt had 12 for the Mustangs.
Mayes led Redondo with 19 points. Holley had 15 and Miner and SJ Madison finished with 14 apiece.
Both teams will find out Saturday where they are placed in the CIF playoffs. Redondo will most likely make the Open Division while Costa will probably be placed in Division 1.
In the early game the Redondo girls basketball team beat Costa 45-34, avenging an earlier loss at Costa. Both teams will now wait for their playoff placement.
Contact: teetor.paul@gmail.com
