The REPORTER
University advanced to the Sectional 42 championship game with a 62-49 win over Monrovia Friday night at Park Tudor.
The Trailblazers overpowered the Bulldogs in the first quarter, jumping to a 24-8 lead after the first quarter and stretched the lead to 38-19 at halftime.
Faisal Mohamud led four players in double figures. Blake Gray had 13, Max McComb 11 and Josh Henderson 10 for University.
The Blazers jumped out to a 13-1 lead in the first four minutes of the game. Cooper Cammack opened the scoring on a fast break layin off a pass from Gray. Mohamud stole the inbound pass and scored for a quick 4-0 lead. Gray knocked down a corner three to make it 7-1. Mohamud scored on a floater in the lane before McComb stole the inbound and fed Gray for an 11-1 lead forcing Monrovia’s second time out of the quarter. McComb added two foul shots for a 13-3 lead.
University scored four points in the last seven seconds of the opening period for their 24-8 advantage. McComb scored on a rebound before Noah Cortez stole the ball and beat the buzzer with a layin.
A Peter Morales three pointer and Henderson’s fast break layin that started with a DJ Willis steal gave University what would be their largest lead of the night at 29-8.
Monrovia outscored University 14-4 in the first five minutes of the second half to pull within 42-33. University steadied the ship with a pair of Zien Bland free throws and another Mohamud steal and layin. After the Bulldogs pulled within 47-40 Henderson ended the third quarter scoring with a layin off a McComb assist.
University regained control in the fourth quarter outscoring the Bulldogs 9-2 over the first five minutes to lead by 16 and made foul shots down the stretch.
McComb finished with five assists and four steals.
The Trailblazers improved their record to 16-9 and advanced to the sectional championship for the fourth consecutive season. University last won a sectional in 2022.
Saturday’s championship game is at 7 p.m. at Park Tudor against Cardinal Ritter.
