In a wild back-and-forth contest that saw both teams lose an eight-point or more lead, the San Benito boys basketball team defeated rival Palma 51-48 in overtime Friday.
With a win over Alvarez on Feb. 15, the Balers will win their first league championship since 2004.
The Balers started strong Friday, building an early 12-3 lead behind a strong first quarter from Michael Breen. The game, though, was never easy for both teams.
Strong defense limited the 3-point chances from Palma and San Benito rarely found uncontested shots.
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The two teams traded the lead throughout the game’s first three quarters before a while final eight minutes. Palma, riding a hot streak from Noah Allen, built an eight-point lead with a little more than two minutes left in the game.
San Benito responded with its bench. Needing to put more pressure on Allen, SBHS head coach turned to junior R.J. Collins.
The move quickly paid dividends. Down six, Collins quickly forced an Allen turnover and hit a 3-pointer on back-to-back plays to pull the game to within three. More than 40 seconds later, Hyram Miskin tied the game at 41.
That hot shooting only made Miskin better in the overtime. Miskin led the way with nine overtime points – adding to his 17 overall points – to pace the Balers in the extra session.
Meanwhile, Palma struggled to find open shots, as Allen – who finished with a game-high 33 points – couldn’t find any room. Throughout the night, Palma struggled to find scorers other than Allen. Only Jacob Taylor made more than one shot.
The Balers now have a 10-1 record inside the Monterey Bay League’s Gabilan Division. They are 20-3 overall.
Look back for more Monday.
