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Eastlake evens score with Otay Ranch, clinches share of Mesa crown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71oGqNHEt3Q

Titans win close contest, now control own destiny in Mesa League

The Mesa League title was up for grabs Wednesday night when Otay Ranch met Eastlake – and neither of last year’s co-champs wanted to give it up. In a back and forth game, the Titans won 57-52 to earn a split and capture at least a share of the league championship.

“It just gave us league pretty much. And it will give us a better seeding for CIF playoffs,” said Eastlake guard Martin Meza.

Eastlake jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, overwhelming Otay Ranch with full court pressure. The Titans controlled the game early on and led 19-8 after the first quarter.

Eastlake stretched their lead to 17 in the second quarter and it looked like the Titans would coast to victory. But Otay Ranch got into a rhythm offensively, and went on a 14-3 run to close out the first half, heading into the break with some much-needed momentum.

“Our coach told us from the beginning that both teams were going to have big runs,” Meza said. “We’re both great teams, so that’s what happens – just runs back and forth.”

The third quarter was a roller coaster, with both teams trading 7-0 runs to start things off. Otay Ranch struck last in the quarter with a 9-2 run that gave them a 40-39 lead headed into the final eight minutes.

With four minutes to play, Otay Ranch guard Alex Perez broke a 46-46 tie with a three-pointer. The Mustangs did not relinquish that lead until the final 30 seconds, when Eastlake forward Robert Graves made a tough inside layup. Graves’ layup sent the student section into frenzy.

“It was great,” Meza said. “The crowd helped us pull it out.”

On the ensuing possession, Meza stole the ball at halfcourt. After two Meza free throws, the Mustangs still had a chance to tie the game, trailing by three with 15.2 seconds left. But Isaiah Hall could not handle the inbounds pass and Meza was there for another steal. Meza added two free throws to put the game out of reach.

“That’s just working hard,” Meza said of his steals in the final minute.

Zander Epps led Eastlake with 13 points and Graves also finished in double figures with 12 points. Hall and Melvin Holper led Otay Ranch with 13 apiece in the loss.

With the win, Eastlake (16-9, 8-1) controls their own destiny and can win the Mesa League with a win Friday night in their regular season finale at Hilltop. Otay Ranch (16-11, 7-2) will need to win at Chula Vista and hope for a Titans’ loss in order to gain a share of the league title.

“Coach says you don’t share two things – girlfriends and league titles,” Meza said.

Apparently one year of sharing was enough for Eastlake.

Eastlake guard Trevon Ash drives by Otay Ranch guard Alex Perez

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Titans win close contest, now control own destiny in Mesa League

The Mesa League title was up for grabs Wednesday night when Otay Ranch met Eastlake – and neither of last year’s co-champs wanted to give it up. In a back and forth game, the Titans won 57-52 to earn a split and capture at least a share of the league championship.

“It just gave us league pretty much. And it will give us a better seeding for CIF playoffs,” said Eastlake guard Martin Meza.

Eastlake jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, overwhelming Otay Ranch with full court pressure. The Titans controlled the game early on and led 19-8 after the first quarter.

Eastlake stretched their lead to 17 in the second quarter and it looked like the Titans would coast to victory. But Otay Ranch got into a rhythm offensively, and went on a 14-3 run to close out the first half, heading into the break with some much-needed momentum.

“Our coach told us from the beginning that both teams were going to have big runs,” Meza said. “We’re both great teams, so that’s what happens – just runs back and forth.”

The third quarter was a roller coaster, with both teams trading 7-0 runs to start things off. Otay Ranch struck last in the quarter with a 9-2 run that gave them a 40-39 lead headed into the final eight minutes.

With four minutes to play, Otay Ranch guard Alex Perez broke a 46-46 tie with a three-pointer. The Mustangs did not relinquish that lead until the final 30 seconds, when Eastlake forward Robert Graves made a tough inside layup. Graves’ layup sent the student section into frenzy.

“It was great,” Meza said. “The crowd helped us pull it out.”

On the ensuing possession, Meza stole the ball at halfcourt. After two Meza free throws, the Mustangs still had a chance to tie the game, trailing by three with 15.2 seconds left. But Isaiah Hall could not handle the inbounds pass and Meza was there for another steal. Meza added two free throws to put the game out of reach.

“That’s just working hard,” Meza said of his steals in the final minute.

Zander Epps led Eastlake with 13 points and Graves also finished in double figures with 12 points. Hall and Melvin Holper led Otay Ranch with 13 apiece in the loss.

With the win, Eastlake (16-9, 8-1) controls their own destiny and can win the Mesa League with a win Friday night in their regular season finale at Hilltop. Otay Ranch (16-11, 7-2) will need to win at Chula Vista and hope for a Titans’ loss in order to gain a share of the league title.

“Coach says you don’t share two things – girlfriends and league titles,” Meza said.

Apparently one year of sharing was enough for Eastlake.

Eastlake guard Trevon Ash drives by Otay Ranch guard Alex Perez

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