UCSD’s Balance Beats Occidental

Tim Rapp and Tim Shawcroft scored 17 points apiece, Gordon McNeill had 15 and Rick Batt added 13 as visiting UC San Diego defeated Occidental, 77-62, in a nonconference, Division III basketball game.

UCSD improved to 14-4; Occidental is 4-12.

Despite Ron Hubbard’s 17 points, Point Loma Nazarene lost at Westmont College, 72-60, in a nonconference game.

Brian Thurston added 16 points for Point Loma Nazarene (6-13). Peter Partain and Chris Hahs had 15 each for Westmont College (18-1), and Chad Kammerer and Noel Matthews had 14 points apiece.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Biola defeated Point Loma Nazarene, 77-71, in a Golden State Athletic Conference game at Golden Gymnasium.

Donna Pollema led Biola (13-6) with 22 points, Amber Andreasen added 17.

Point Loma Nazarene (8-9) was led by Shannon Abrams’ 26 points.

FOOTBALL

Lincoln’s John McCartney, a Times All-County defensive back, and Kearny quarterback J.J. Rowlett have given verbal commitments to play at San Diego State next fall.

Lincoln Coach Vic Player said McCartney (6-0, 190), also heavily recruited by USC, is one of the finest athletes he has coached.

“It’s those intangible things,” Player said. “His quickness. His tenacity. His leadership by example. He’s a total team football player.”

Rowlett (6-4, 205), a roll-out passer, will likely redshirt next season.

“J.J. can do some things,” Mira Mesa Coach Brad Griffith said. “He’s not a polished quarterback yet. He made a tremendous improvement from his junior to his senior year.