PHOTOS: Foothill stages big rally and wins in three overtimes to advance in So Cal Regionals

Foothill players celebrate after a comeback victory Thursday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).

Foothill’s boys basketball team battled back from a 17-point halftime deficit and defeated Carlsbad 96-95 in triple overtime Thursday night in the CIF Southern California Regional Division II game at Foothill.

The top-seeded Knights (29-3) move on to the semifinals Saturday night to host No. 13-seeded Rancho Cucamonga at 6 p.m. With a win Saturday, they advance to the regional finals at home on Tuesday.

“We went down early tonight but our guys stayed together and continued to fight the entire way, quarter after quarter,” said Foothill Coach Yousof Etemadi in an interview late Thursday. “Our team really works hard and never gives up and we have been doing that all season long.

“I’m proud of these boys and our program. This was a great high school state playoff game for our school and our community. Such a fun atmosphere to play in.”

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

Foothill students pour out onto the court to celebrate the win.

Foothill's Cruz Billings lays the ball up.

Foothill coach Coach Yousof Etemadi applauds the effort of his team.

Foothill's Mikey Mazurie deflects the shot by Carlsbad's Jake Hall.

Foothill's Carlo Billings keeps Jake Hall from driving to the basket.

Foothill students have some fun during a free throw.

Carlsbad coaches try to fire their team up.

Foothill's Jacob Horton goes up to block shot by 0 Mason Bowers.

Foothill's Marco Manzi is almost stripped of the ball.

Marco Manzi of Foothill defends the basket from Carlsbad's Toby Harris.

Foothill cheer team supports the Knights.

Carlsbad's Toby Harris drives as Foothill's Tyler Ammann blocks the lane.

Foothill's Tyler Ammann and No. 2 Cruz Billings defend against Mason Bowers of Carlsbad.

Foothills Carlo Billings is pressured by Carlsbad's Jake Hall and Mason Bowers.

Foothill's Cruz Billings drives around Carlsbad's Jake Hall.

Foothill players congratulate No. 13 Carlo Billings.

Mikey Mazurie puts up a shot for Foothill.

Jake Hall of Carlsbad takes a 3-point shot.

Foothill started its rally in the third quarter cutting the lead to 10 points, then eventually tied the game at 67 to send it into overtime.

Carlo Billing scored 25 points and had 11 rebounds, Cruz Billings had 24 points and 11 assists, Jake Horton scored 13 points, Braedyn Benhard had 10 points and five rebounds and Mikey Mazurie had nine points to lead the Knights.