Blazers pick up road win at Scecina

The REPORTER

Max McComb scored a career-high 27 points as the University boys picked up a 64-52 road win at Scecina.

The Trailblazers dominated the middle periods outscoring the Crusaders 33-16 during the second and third quarters. University built a 21-point lead early in the fourth quarter and held on for the win. McComb had 15 points during the second and third quarters.

Blake Gray added 13 points including a trio of three pointers. Gray scored 10 points in the middle quarters. Zien Bland and Faisal Mohamud chipped in with nine points each. Bland had the go ahead bucket late in the first quarter than put University ahead to stay.

University coach Justin Blanding was happy with the win but knows they have improvement to make.

“It was great to get a win,” said Blanding. “I thought our kids played great for 29 minutes. We got a little out of control at the end which was disappointing, but we held it together. I’m proud of them but we have a lot to clean up if we are going to be a championship team. We are working hard.”

“I’m really proud of Blake Gray, Faisal Mohamud and Noah Cortez. Blake is very sick and he gave all he could tonight. It shows how much he wants to win. Faisal is back playing after a bad ankle injury and Noah had a hip injury so we are just getting our guys back.”

Blanding was effusive in his praise of McComb.

“He has been doing a great job playing all over the court,” said Blanding. “He’s been the point guard and the center in the same game.  Having a guy like that definitely helps. Cooper Cammack is just a great interior guy that works his tail off. Zien Bland has come into his own. We have a good thing going right now.”

The charity stripe was the difference in the contest. The Blazers attacked the rim and drew fouls posting season-highs in free throws made (18) and attempted (26) Scecina was 6 for 8 at the line.

University improves to 5-6 on the season. Scecina falls to 3-7.

The Trailblazers will play three games next week, starting with a game at The U Center against Covenant Christian on Monday night.