By Nick Lee
Staff Writer
In the third round of Division II California Interscholastic Federation playoffs, the Mustangs silenced the Bulldogs with a crushing victory at West Covina, advancing to the round of eight.
The Mustangs started off strong and dominated, holding their lead throughout the game and winning, 63-35.
“We played really aggressively,” coach John Lapham said. “We exploited their 2-3 zone by hitting the high post, which created more open looks.”
During the first quarter, the Mustangs jumped ahead, 14-4, within three minutes. Senior center Patience Taylor led the charge, scoring several layups totaling eight points in the first quarter. Costa used its size and took advantage of the Bulldogs’ offensive inconsistencies, ending the quarter 20-6.
“The trap forced many turnovers,” sophomore small forward Allie Naverette said. “We were able to get easy steals and convert them into layups.”
Starting the second quarter, Costa continued to extend its lead, sparking a 12-point run. However, West Covina pushed back, scoring 13 uncontested points, bringing the game within 12. Costa thwarted their attempt to catch up and brought the score to 37-19.
“We got a little lazy and let them come back,” Naverette said. “However, we were able to pick up our groove.”
At the start of the second half, the Mustangs went on a 14-point run, while the Bulldogs scored only two points, entering the fourth with a commanding 55-23 lead.
“We finally started hitting our outside shots,” Lapham said. “We gained some momentum, and we were able to grab many offensive rebounds.”
Giving its starters a break, the Mustangs’ bench scored 18 points, ending the game 63-35. Tomorrow, the Mustangs face off in the CIF quarterfinals against the Canyon Cowboys in a home game tomorrow night at 7 p.m.
“Canyon is a great team,” Lapham said. “They have beat some really tough teams, and we need to do a better job boxing out and not fouling.”
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