Beckman opens defense of PCL title with 60-49 road victory over Portola

Beckman Coach John Goins coaches in a game earlier ths season. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Beckman’s boys basketball team, the defending league champion, came away with a 60-49 victory over Portola Tuesday night in a Pacific Coast League opener.

“This was a tough game due to 45 fouls being called and 65 total free throws,” said Beckman Coach John Goins. “That combined with Portola’s zone kept us from getting any real rhythm going, which led to a halftime score of 25-24.

“I made some adjustments at halftime with how we attacked their zone and we were able to come out and have a nice third quarter and end with an eight point lead, 43-35.

“We got it out to 15 points in the fourth and then got adventurous with the ball but were able to close the game out in the end. Ethan Bozzo had a nice game for us, not just with scoring but making some nice interior post passes and being a presence on the glass. It’s always good to take a league game on the road, especially since we lost at Portola last year.”

Bozzo scored 13 points to lead Beckman. Duwon Jim had 12 points and Jake Morrison and Justin Wood 10 points each.

Portola (8-11, 0-1) was led by Moshen Hashemi with 21 points and Robert Giraldy with eight points

“I thought Portola did a great job of trying to take away our size and Hashemi was a tough guard for us,” Goins said.

Beckman (9-10, 1-0) plays at Woodbridge Friday night.

“It’s great to get the win and now we look ahead to trying to get one at Woodbridge on Friday, which is always a tough place to play,” Goins said.