PHOTOS: Tustin holds off Lakewood’s late charge and wins 52-47 in CIF wild card game

Tustin’s Jason Naranjo is guarded by Chris Willis of Lakewood Tuesday night. (Photos Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Tustin’s boys basketball team survived a late charge by Lakewood to capture a 52-47 victory in a CIF 3AA wild card game Tuesday night at Tustin.

With the victory, the Tillers (19-10) move on to the opening round Wednesday night at Providence/Burbank.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Tustin starter Ben Ahinaquah is congratulated by Coach Ringo Bossenemyer following a timeout for his outstanding play.

Tustin fans show their support after a big run by the Tillers in the first half.

Tustin's Ryan Stading applies defensive pressure against Chis Willis in Tuesday's game.

Kyan Patel of Tustin tries to get the ball in against Lakewood late in Tuesday's playoff.

Tustin led 25-19 at halftime and by seven after three quarters. But Lakewood cut the lead to 48-47 on a 3-point basket by Bonard Johnson with 1:10 left in the game.

However, Ryan Stading and Bradley Burdick each made two free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal it for the Tillers.

“Number 10 (Johnson) is obviously a real tough cover,” said Tustin Coach Ringo Bossenmeyer. “He got it going late and you knew they were going to make a run and I just like the way we responded. Obviously, we hit some clutch foul shots down the stretch. Bradley Burdick grabbed a big defensive rebound board to finish it off.”

Free throws turned out to be the difference. Tustin made 11 of 13 while Lakewood connected on just 4 of 13.

“Going 4 for 4 in the last 30 seconds is a good recipe for success,” Bossenmeyer said.

Tustin had a balanced effort led by Jason Naranjo, who scored 11 points. Bradley Burdick, Ben Ahinaquah and Kyan Patel had 10 points each for Tustin.

Ahinaquah also grabbed seven rebounds and Burdick six.

“The bench played well and that was the first time we’ve played any zone this year at all so we did a good job adjusting to that going back and fourth between man and zone to try and throw them off a bit,” Bossenmeyer said. “You get back in the playoffs and you get a win on your home floor, so it’s exciting and really good for the kids.

“I thought that Ben Ahinaquah with his presence in both halves he definitely came to play.”

Lakewood was led by Corali’i Milan with 18 points and Johnson with 12 points.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com