Santiago proved to be a very physical opponent as the Breakers (26-3) shook off the complacency of the easy 10-0 league run to hold off Santiago/Corona (11-11) on Wednesday, Feb. 14, in Dugger Gym, in a first round post-season contest.
The largest crowd of the year saw Laguna struggle to a 15-13 first quarter lead as the visiting Sharks competed for every rebound and loose ball with the same intensity as the hosts.
Breakers led 29-20 at the half, but Santiago did pull to within four points at 31-27 at 5:40 in the third period before Laguna extended their lead to 47-31 after three quarters.
There was no doubt on the outcome early in the final period as Grady Morgan hit on three consecutive three-point shots to ice the win. Blake Burzell led the squad with 20 points followed by Morgan with 18, Owen McMurray 11, Adam Armstrong with 6, Charlie Rounaghi 5, and Nolan Naess 3.
Laguna will host Twentynine Palms (21-9) at 7 p.m. in Dugger Gym this Friday, Feb. 16 in second round. Should Laguna continue its run to the quarterfinals, that contest will be Tuesday, Feb. 20, with the site determined by CIF rules.
