Tesoro makes a late run but Chaparral regroups to win 44-39 at Tustin Classic

Carson Brown of Tesoro brings the ball up as Lewis Singleterry IV of Chaparral defends Tuesday night. (Photos: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Tesoro’s boys basketball team battled back from an eight-point deficit after three quarters to take a late lead, but Chaparral regrouped and topped the Titans 44-39 Tuesday night in the second round of the Tustin Classic.

Chaparral (10-2) moves into the semifinals of the tournament at Tustin High to face Laguna Beach Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tesoro (13-3) meets Esperanza Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in a consolation round game.

“I was pleased with that (the comeback),” said Tesoro Coach Steve Garrett. “That’s some growth for our young team. We’ve got down a couple of other games and we didn’t respond. I thought our bench came in and stabilized us and that gave some of our starters some rest.

“I wish they could have been stronger with their drives. The refs let both teams play equally, it was good, it was physical, we really needed to finish a lot of those around the rim with our drives. I’m really proud of our bench coming in and stablizing us and then our starters came in and took the lead. I would like to get the last two minutes back.”

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

Kyle Gleason of Tesoro looks to pass off as Chaparral defenders, including No. 3 Maur Tablada apply pressure.

Tesoro's Blake Manning controls the ball as Carson Brown gets ready.

Tesoro players get ready after a big late run.

Tesoro was led by Carson Brown, who scored 20 points and Kyle Gleason who had eight points.

Maur Tablada scored 10 points, Romyn Johnson had eight points and Lewis Singleterry IV seven points to lead Chaparral.

Chaparral led 25-18 at halftime and by eight going into the final stanza before Tesoro battled back.

Brown made a basket and converted a free throw with 4:43 left to tie the game 37-37 and Gleason’s basket put the Titans ahead 39-37.

However, Chaparral moved ahead 43-39 on a basket by Tablada with over a minute left to take control again and made defensive stops to seal the victory.

“They were tough the whole game,” Garrett said. “They’re big and they make you earn your shots. It was great to see our defense step up, it was a solid five minutes of D.”

For the complete Wednesday schedule, click here.

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