Coming off its best week of the season, the San Benito boys
basketball team looked to keep that energy going Wednesday on the
road against Tri-County Athletic League foe Alisal.
Coming off its best week of the season, the San Benito boys basketball team looked to keep that energy going Wednesday on the road against Tri-County Athletic League foe Alisal.
While their strong play continued, the Haybalers couldn’t make it three in a row and they fell in overtime to the Trojans 59-58.
San Benito (7-12, 3-2 TCAL) had the ball with the game tied at 49 with 20 seconds to go, but the ‘Balers couldn’t get a shot off and it went to overtime.
“With 20 seconds to go, we’ve got to get a good shot off,” San Benito coach John Becerra said.
In the extra period, the Trojans (17-4, 3-1 TCAL) opened a five-point lead. The ‘Balers applied pressure and put in a pair of baskets, including a putback with two seconds to go to make it a one-point game, but the clock ran out before Alisal needed to inbound the ball.
“We’re so close to doing a lot of good things, we just need to get over the hump against certain teams,” Becerra said. “I guess what’s good is that we got beat tonight, and it hurts. That means we’re playing a lot better. Early in the season, we weren’t playing well. I feel more confident now.”
San Benito trailed throughout most of the game, including a 25-21 deficit at halftime. It entered the final period facing a seven-point deficit, but a 20-13 advantage allowed the ‘Balers to tie the game.
Todd Janisch had a monster night for San Benito. He scored a game-high 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
“He’s been doing a good job, he’s rebounding the ball very well for us,” Becerra said. “Early in the season, I don’t think he was (rebounding). We kind of challenged him and he’s stepped up.”
Marty Bueno added 11 points to the ‘Balers efforts.
Alisal had four player reach double-digits in scoring as it spread the ball around and took care of its size advantage.
Jordan Ramirez led the way with 18 points. David Alejo added 12, Elias Rivera and Jonathan Sosa had 11 and Christian Camacho scored eight.
San Benito 7 14 8 20 9 – 58
Alisal 13 12 11 13 10 – 59
San Benito (58) – Ramos 0 1 1, DeMateo 1 0 2, Bryant 2 0 4, Bueno 3 3 11, Janisch 11 2 29, Wilson 1 0 2. Totals 17 6 58.
Alisal (59) – Rivera 4 3 11, Alejo 2 6 12, Camacho 4 0 8, Ramirez 4 7 18, Sosa 4 3 11. 18 19 59.
