Saddleback Remains Unbeaten in Conference

The Saddleback men’s basketball team remains alone in first place in the Orange Empire Conference thanks mostly to Rancho Santiago’s dismal free-throw shooting and an untimely technical.

Rancho Santiago missed four free throws in the final 34 seconds and lost to Saddleback, 89-87, Wednesday. The Dons made only 12 of 29 in the game.

Rancho Santiago trailed by 10 at the half, but played an intense second half and finally caught the Gauchos at 84, when Tremain Ross drove for a layup with 1 minute 30 seconds left. But Ross was then assessed a technical for verbal abuse. He was one of several players who had been warned earlier in the second half to watch what they say.

Anthony Carter (33 points) made both free throws to put the Gauchos ahead, 86-84. Jon Surface, made one of two free throws as Rancho Santiago (17-9, 5-4) cut the lead to 86-85 with 34 seconds left.

Saddleback’s Caleb Ashley made two free throws three seconds later and Saddleback led, 88-85. Todd Wilson of Rancho Santiago drove for a layup and was fouled with 17 seconds left. His free throw missed and Saddleback (21-3, 9-0) led, 88-87.

Roderick Beavers was fouled when he rebounded Wilson’s miss and made one of two free throws to put Saddleback ahead, 89-87, with 16 seconds left.

“This is one of the crucial games for us as far as winning the [conference],” Saddleback Coach Bill Brummel said.