Legacy Tip-Off Classic: Host Longhorns’ strong finish gives them 66-60 win

Legacy boys basketball players were not baffled by any of Lutheran (Colorado) High School’s zone defenses.

They actually picked them apart — especially down the stretch — at key times for key baskets.

And a key victory.

The Longhorns embarked on a 13-4 run across the third and fourth quarters, and executed their zone offense in the final minutes to secure a 66-60 victory over Lutheran in the Legacy Tip-Off Classic on Thursday night.

“We practiced (our zone offense) early,” Legacy coach Jack Tarango. “I know teams sometimes, they come in early in the season not preparing for everything. And I know sometimes teams go zone … We were able to get good looks.”

Chris White had a team-high 17 points for the Longhorns (2-0), and Cristian Pitts scored seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter.

The Lions actually held a 30-26 halftime lead, but were stagnant in the third quarter and allowed the Longhorns to seize a decisive lead.

The Lions pulled within two points midway through the final quarter, but Legacy sophomore wing Amare James canned a 3-pointer, and the Longhorns converted crisp passes into layups to pull away.

Pitts said the Longhorns were comfortable executing Tarango’s play calls in the second half, and are eager for the opportunity to win their tournament.

“We take a lot of pride (in protecting our home floor),” Pitts said.

Tyrell Nolen and D’Eric Marlowe added 12 points apiece for Legacy.

“(The kids) take great pride every year in the Tip-Off,” Tarango said. “(Our execution) really worked to our advantage. We’re really pleased with it.”

Mojave 62, Crenshaw (Calif.) 61 — Tyrice Pender had 15 points and the Rattlers held off the Cougars.

Chris Jackson added 13 points, and Noah Achong scored 10 for Mojave, which led 52-36 going into the fourth quarter.

Kevin Ebiriekwe led Crenshaw with 17 points.

Centennial 61, Aquinas (Calif.) 58 — Steve Giles, Ishon Hardin and Hunter Bohls each scored 11 points as the Bulldogs topped the Falcons.

Nicholas Hopkins had 18 points to lead Aquinas, which led 45-42 entering the fourth quarter.

Democracy Prep 67, Silverado 59 — Daniel Plummer scored 17 points, and Najeeb Muhammad added 14 to lift the defending Class 2A state champion Blue Knights to a victory over the Class 4A Skyhawks.

Martell Williams led the Skyhawks with 24 points.

Cimarron-Memorial 68, Oceanside Memorial (S.C.) 53 — Brian Washington scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Spartans to a victory over the Landsharks.

George Tribble and Javonte Gibson added 15 points apiece for Cimarron.

Clovis East (Calif.) 84, Rancho 64 — The Timberwolves doubled up the Rams in the second quarter and coasted in the second half for a victory.

Jahleel Stevens scored 22 points to lead Rancho.

Cheyenne 72. Green Valley 41 — Glen Taylor and Kavon Williams scored 14 points apiece and the Desert Shields blew out Green Valley.

Ke’Shawn Hall added 11 points for Cheyenne.

Kendall Nether led the Gators with 11.

Arbor View 64, Canyon View 55 (Utah) — Sophomore guard Donovan Yap scored 19 points to key the Aggies to a victory.

Favor Chukwukelu added 12 points for the Aggies, who trailed 27-24 at halftime.

Sevonyea Smith and Jarrod Burks also had 10 points apiece for Arbor View.