For University, It's Bombs Away Against Corona del Mar

University High‘s boys basketball team rained down a dozen three-point baskets on Corona del Mar Monday night, pummeling the visiting Sea Kings, 81-60. The Trojans’ sharp shooting spoiled the Sea Kings’ opportunity to clinch an outright Pacific Coast League title, while reigniting University’s unlikely league championship aspirations.

The Trojans (14-10, 7-2 in league) charged out to a 46-28 halftime advantage and continued to play sterling offensive basketball after intermission, defeating the reigning league champs in dominant fashion. University’s impressive victory snapped the Sea Kings’ 19-game win streak in league play and leaves the Pacific Coast title hanging in the balance with one game remaining on the regular-season schedule.

Corona del Mar (17-7, 8-1) entered the contest unbeaten in its last six games, dating back to a Jan. 17 win over University. The Sea Kings, ranked No. 3 in the CIF Southern Section Division 3AA coaches' poll, destroyed the Trojans, 87-60, in their first meeting. However, the rematch was a total role reversal.

“It’s really satisfying because they beat us pretty good at their house,” University guard Christian Scott said. “We knew we had one more chance to beat them and we came out and played our game.”

Scott was sensational, scoring 32 points and taking the pressure of his teammates. The senior forward is fighting for Orange County’s scoring title and has dropped at least 30 points against Pacific Coast opponents on five occasions. 

“I do anything to get this team a win,” Scott said. “It’s going after loose balls, extra rebounds, anything to get the win. It turns out I got the scoring too.”

Scott shredded the Sea Kings' defense, but he wasn’t alone. University featured four players who scored at least 12 points in the contest, while the Trojans torched Corona del Mar from long-distance.

University guards Stephen Kwan and Christian Directo buried four three-pointers each, leaving the stupefied Sea Kings searching for answers. Marcus Bradley, who led Corona del Mar with 27 points and 13 rebounds, holds his team accountable for the Trojans’ offensive onslaught

"We weren't ready to play defense and they hit outside buckets," Bradley said. "This is what happens when we don't come out ready to play. We were embarrassed and we can't blame anyone tonight beside ourselves."

With a victory at University, the Sea Kings would have secured a second consecutive league championship. Even though Corona del Mar is guaranteed at least a share of the title, it now must win Wednesday’s regular season finale against Beckman for sole possession of it.

“If we wanted to make a statement to other teams in the area and show them how well we can play, this was the game,” Trojans forward Tague Zachary said. “We know Corona del Mar is a great team and it’s fun to be the ones who end their league win streak.”

Zachary dropped three shots from three-point range and led University with 11 rebounds. The 6-foot-6 senior thinks the outside success helped lead to another big night for the Trojans’ star.

“Once we were able to hit some threes, it was a lot easier to get the ball inside to Christian Scott and he’s great,” Zachary said. “I think our shooting really opened things up for him and he capitalized. Sometimes we rely on our outside shooting; tonight it worked.”

Outside of University’s barrage from beyond the arc, Scott accounted for 13 of the Trojans’ 17 two-point field goals and prevented Corona del Mar’s defenders from creeping too far toward the perimeter.

The Trojans’ outburst shows just how dangerous they could be in the coming Division 2AA playoffs. University hosts Northwood on Wednesday and would  split the Pacific Coast’s top spot with a win over the Timberwolves and an accompanying Corona del Mar loss.

“Obviously, right now we’re hyped and elated ,” Zachary said. “But we can’t let it go to our head. In the grand scheme, this is just one game. We’ll go to practice tomorrow and keep the same intensity.”

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