 | | | Andrew Zolintakis Photo Gint Federas | | | | | | Campolindo, Miramonte and Acalanes wrapped up DFAL play last week with two rivalry games on the schedule before opening the first round of the NCS playoffs.
The Campolindo Cougars (20-6, 11-1 DFAL) had payback on their mind. On Feb. 1, Miramonte (15-11, 6-6 DFAL) handed Campo its first and only loss in league play 69-68 on a game winner from Drew Anderson. On Feb. 18, the Cougars hosted and routed the Mats, 73-52.
Miramonte scored the first four points of the contest, but back-to-back layups from Andrew Zolintakis saw the score tied. Later, the Cougars went on a 16-3 run, taking a 28-12 lead.
"Last time we played, it was a similar game, and they came back and beat us in the second half," said Cougars' coach Matt Watson. "So the effort level on our side was not going to let up this time."
Five Cougars hit at least one three-pointer.
"They shot the ball really well in the first half," said Miramonte's coach Drew McDonald. "As we stretched the zone, they were able to get inside."
Campolindo's Chris Hansen, who was held to just four points in the first contest, finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
The Mats couldn't get into an offensive rhythm. Drew Anderson, who's averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, was held to just one field goal.
The Mats were paced by 15 points, three rebounds and three assists from Joey Goodreault, but even he struggled, committing five of the team's 13 turnovers.
For Campo, Zolintakis racked up 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists and Matt O'Reilly added 14 points to help lock up the school's third DFAL title in the last five years.
Just 48 hours later, the Mats suffered their fourth straight DFAL loss at home to Acalanes (15-11, 5-7 DFAL) 49-43.
Acalanes' execution won them the contest.
With a minute to go in the first half, the score was 20-19 in favor of the Dons, when Buster Souza pulled in his seventh rebound of the half, threw an outlet pass to Brett Merrill, who found Ross Teichman under the basket to lay it in. Souza stole the subsequent inbound pass and scored two of his 10 first half points, giving Acalanes a 24-19 lead.
With just over five minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Jackson Wegener hit a deep three to bring the Mats to within four, 42-38, but it wasn't enough.
Souza finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. Zack Kisner added nine points to go with his 4 assists and Matt Thomas finished with eight points.
All three Lamorinda teams were selected for the NCS Division III playoffs this year, and had opening round games Feb. 25.
No. 3 Campolindo hosted Albany, while No. 5 Acalanes tried to defend their home court against San Marin, and No. 6, Miramonte looked to steal one at Analy. Follow @lamorindasports on Twitter for score reports.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA