PACIFICA defeated Cate 44-41 in a CIF-SS quarterfinal game Tuesday (Tribune photo).

By Miles Gaskin/Orange County Tribune

The Pacifica Mariners outlasted the Cate Rams of Carpinteria in a gritty, defensive battle on Tuesday night, prevailing 44-41 to advance to the CIF-SS 4-AA semifinals on Friday.

Despite early struggles, the M’s were able to secure the home win late thanks to some crucial plays down the stretch. Cate started the game on a 12-2 run, and led by four at half time.  Cate held a narrow lead for the vast majority of the game, but with just a minute left, Pacifica found itself clinging to a 42-41 lead.

Cate played defense without fouling at first but fouled very late in the shot clock, forcing them to foul again in order to stop the clock and give themselves another possession.  Pacifica managed to work the clock down to about 15 seconds before Cate fouled junior guard Gianmarco Mendoza.

With the game in the balance Mendoza calmly knocked down both free throws to put the Mariners up 44-41.  With the game’s final possession, Cate senior combo guard Marcus Scudder missed the potential game tying three-pointer.

Cate will end their season at 14-8 overall.  Pacifica will improve to 21-10 overall.

The Mariners were led by junior shooting guard Myles Salas, who shot the lights out from long range finishing with 19 points – including five three- pointers and grabbed and three rebounds.  Junior combo guard Maxon Tjhatra also chipped in, with 10 points, a rebound, an assist, and a steal.

The Rams got big-time play out of Marcus Scudder, who finished with 12 points and two steals, as well as sophomore wing Barylin Glomah, who had eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

Pacifica Coach David Friedman said that the team might have been a little nervous to start the game which resulted in the slow start.
“Early on we looked really tight, the guys were a little nervous, fortunately we were able to keep the game close for the first half in order get those nerves out and only be down four.”

Friedman had high praise for Myles Salas after his big night.

“Myles is a great kid, he’s the hardest worker in every drill, every single day, and he showed you tonight what he is capable of,” said Friedman. “He is a really good player and he has a lot more basketball ahead of him.”

In the semifinal game, Pacifica will face district rival Santiago, which defeated Workman 66-64 on Tuesday night.