By Ian Rapoport
Staff Writer
When a spot in the CIF playoffs is on the line, teams usually put their best effort into every League game.
In one of their final League games of the season, the Mira Costa boys varsity basketball team defeated Peninsula High School by a final score of 50-38 at home Tuesday, improving the Mustangs’ record to 5-4 in Bay League and 16-9 overall.
“Our win was a result of our tremendous defense,” coach Jeff Amaral said. “We were able to keep them down thanks to the discipline of our defenders.”
Senior guard Kevin Kim and junior forward Justin Strings scored 18 and 12 points, respectively. Seniors point guard Cole Feaster and forward Oliver Mausner each scored five points.
“We played probably the best complete game of defense all year, holding them to only 38 points,” Mausner said.
The teams competed for control at the start of the game. Strings scored multiple baskets, but Peninsula pulled ahead and ended the first quarter at 10-8.
“It was alright that we didn’t take the lead in the first quarter,” sophomore guard Dylan Kim said. “Defense was our main priority early on, and we held up our end.”
Dylan Kim and senior guard Adam Winnet both made three-point shots to start the second quarter, giving the Mustangs the lead. Peninsula trailed Costa, 24-21, at the end of the second quarter.
“We felt great during the second quarter,” Dylan Kim said. “We were able score and did a great job protecting the zone.”
Coming back from halftime, the Mustangs took a huge lead that they were able to maintain. Kevin Kim led the quarter with seven points, and Strings, Mausner and Feaster each landed additional baskets and gave Costa an even larger, 39-25 lead.
“The third quarter was key,” Amaral said. “It was a great time, and the team did an amazing job on the attack.”
The Mustangs maintained their lead during the fourth quarter. By the time Peninsula made a comeback, it was unable to close the gap, giving Costa the 50-38 victory.
“It was an amazing finish,” Dylan Kim said. “Everyone played well, and the bench really came off great.”
The Mustangs faced Palos Verdes yesterday at home, but results were unavailable due to the time of publication.
“We played really well today,” Winnet said. “We came back from a two-game losing streak and played an awesome game.”
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