Boys Basketball:
Two of the area’s premier programs met up Saturday night in the finals of the Northview Tournament.
Malik Khouzam lit it up for 34 points, including seven 3-pointers, and earned the “Battle for the Ship” tournament MVP trophy.
Walnut edged Damien, 68-66, in a game the Mustangs had a 30-3 advantage from beyond the 3-point arc.
It took three consecutive defensive stops late to defeat the Spartans.
Joby Barnes got the Walnut offense started early and finished with 14 points, including three 3-point baskets.
Nate Garcia keeps impressing for Damien.
The Spartans’ sophomore had a team-high 27 points on Saturday.
Elijah Brown contributed 14 points for Damien, including 14 in the second half.
Lucas Arrieta hit a 3-pointer in the first quarter, and it ended up being the Spartans lone 3 of the game.
Up next: Damien will face California on Monday at 7:45 pm.
Box Score:
Damien: 17-15-18-16-(66)
Walnut: 22-12-17-17-(68)
Damien scoring: Nate Garcia 27, Elijah Brown 16, Eli Garner 7, Xavier Clinton 6, Lucas Arrieta 3, Caiden Brown 3, Jacob Allen 2
Walnut scoring: Malik Khouzam 34, Joby Barnes 14, Adrian Triplett 8, Gavin Ibrahim 8, Christian Aquino 2, Brandon Shih 2
Records: Damien (8-2); Walnut (7-0)