Portola’s boys basketball team, in its first CIF playoff game, holds on for dramatic 55-54 victory over Santiago in front of a big crowd

Portola’s Robert Giraldy brings the ball up the court guarded by Santiago’s D’Angelo Bondo-Zotea (No. 5) and David Briseno Friday night.

Portola’s boys basketball team made the most of its first CIF playoff appearance in school history.

The Bulldogs withstood a last second shot by a fired up Santiago squad and captured a 55-54 victory in an opening round 4AA playoff game in front of a loud capacity crowd estimated at 1,500 at Santiago.

“It feels really good, we did it for the school,” said Portola’s junior guard Robert Giraldy, who scored 14 points. “Our goal as eighth graders coming into our freshmen year was to just get here. Now, our goal is to try and take one more step. This is the best atmosphere I’ve been in. My ears were ringing.”

Portola moved ahead 55-54 when Shoma Doherty hit one of two free throws with about eight seconds left. But Santiago rebounded the ball on the second missed free throw and worked the ball to mid-court before calling timeout with three seconds remaining.

Santiago attempted an outside jumper to win the game but the shot fell off the rim.

Portola, in its first varsity season, moves on to the second round Tuesday at home against Moorpark (20-9). The Bulldogs finished third in the Pacific Coast League. Santiago was a co-champion with La Quinta in the Garden Grove League.

“What an incredible environment this was,” said Portola Coach Brian Smith. “I knew it was going to be loud but I had the guys in the huddle next to me and they couldn’t even hear me. What a great game back and forth. Kudos for Santiago.

“There was no quit in either team. It was literally like a boxing match, I’m just proud of our guys. We’re not even supposed to be here, but very proud of their efforts.”

Mohsen Hashimi scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Portola (15-14). Doherty added 14 points each for the Bulldogs.

Santiago (18-9) was led by Ricky Briseno with 17 points. He hit a 3-pointer to tie the game 54-54 in the final seconds.

“He’s been our best player all year,” said Santiago Coach Matt Moorhouse. “He’s going to be a hidden gem for an NAIA school or juco. He’s averaging about 18 points all year long. It’s not the first big shot he’s hit. He’s the best athlete in the school, if not the district.”

Moorhouse, disappointed in the outcome, praised the effort of his team.

“I can’t be too unhappy,” he said. “We didn’t play our best offense. They played good. Portola deserved this. I’m happy for them, it’s good for their program.”

Manny Torres had nine points for Santiago.

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

FANS ARE EXCITED ABOUT PORTOLA’S PLAYOFF RUN