GHS boys hoops can’t contain lethal Acorns in 58-42 road
loss
MORGAN HILL – The Mustang hoopsters thought they knew who to guard in Tuesday’s league game against Live Oak, but the Acorns had too many weapons to defend, beating Gilroy, 58-42.
“They’re a good all-around team,” said senior forward Steven Good of Live Oak. “We shut down some, but others would score.”
During the first half, the Mustangs were hanging tough against the Acorns, keeping the score close. But as the game progressed, the gap widened and widened, putting Gilroy further and further behind.
By the end of the first half, Live Oak only enjoyed a seven-point lead and the Mustangs were still in it. But the Acorns were able to wear down Gilroy and pull ahead by double digits in the second half.
Mustang head coach Bob Ogden admitted that his team was out-manned, but he was still pleased with the effort his players gave throught the losing cause.
“We were out-manned up and down our line-up,” Ogden said. “Hustle and scrapping can only go so far, but they hustled to the end.”
Acorn head coach Brett Paolucci was impressed with his neighboring rivals, who have struggled with a 3-13 overall record and 1-4 in league. He said the Mustangs are a team that can’t be taken lightly and pose a threat at any time.
“They are a scrappy team,” Paolucci said. “I have to hand it to them, they didn’t give up. They played hard.”
Live Oak had several key players that the Mustangs tried to keep contain; however, the Acorns showed the depth of their line-up and smothered any chance for a Gilroy comeback.
According to Ogden, the Acorns, 5-0 in league and 18-2 overall, have some physical players who are controlled the inside and kept the pressure going the entire game.
“They have a full arsenal of guys who can score,” Ogden said.
At one point in the third quarter, Gilroy was able to cut a 14-point deficit in half, but Live Oak managed to turn it on when things got too close for comfort.
In the fourth quarter, the Acorn defense only allowed one field goal, which did not come until more than five minutes had run off in the eight-minute quarter.
Leading the way in scoring for the Mustangs was junior forward Vince Mitre with seven points, while senior Ron Colmon and Good each had four. Good led the team in boards with six. Seniors Kyle Loving and Brandt Chacon also had five rebounds apiece.
Up next, the Mustangs will host Salinas on Thursday at 7 p.m.
