DIVISION IV-A

St. Monica 62, L.A. Baptist 37--The timing couldn’t have been worse for the Knights in losing a semifinal at Hart High.

With a berth in the division finals on the line, L.A. Baptist (15-9) struggled as much as it has all season.

“That’s the worst we’ve played all year,” said Coach Maury Neville of L.A. Baptist. “But I give St. Monica credit. They’re a good basketball team.”

The Knights had plenty of open looks at the basket but couldn’t take advantage of most of them.

St. Monica (20-7), which has won 14 of its last 16 games, didn’t trail after the first two minutes.

The Mariners opened a 16-8 lead after one quarter and gradually pulled away, using a pressure defense to force 15 turnovers.

Brian Sanders scored 18 points, including four three-point baskets, for L.A. Baptist.

St. Monica, which exploited its size advantage, was led by 6-foot-7 center Sean Cole with 17 points, including 13 in the second half.

Hampton Nunley finished with 12 points and Robert Rakeshaw had 10 points for the Mariners.