The San Bernardino Valley College men's basketball team had its season end Saturday night, as Allan Hancock outlasted the Wolverines 91-90 in two overtimes.
The Bulldogs advance to the Elite Eight at the State Championship playoff starting Friday at Ventura College.
SBVC (27-5) ran out early, taking a 15-point lead midway through the first half. But like last week's overtime win over Antelope Valley, the Wolverines' shooting cooled off, and their opponent took advantage.
Hancock closed the game to three points at the half, as John Riddick tipped home a rebound at the buzzer, sending the teams to the dressing room with the Wolverines up 34-31.
The Bulldogs didn't waste any time closing the gap, tying the game at 40 just 2:12 into the second half, then taking the lead a minute later. They would lead most of the second half, getting a lead as big as seven points before the Wolverines stepped up their defensive pressure, going to a full-court press that yielded three turnovers.
Kevin McNeal finally gave the Wolverines the lead back with 1:17 to go, making two free throws, with Hancock tying it again as Glenn Jordan made one of two free throws with 47 seconds left. Both teams had chances to win it in regulation, but could not get their shots to fall.
In the first extra period, the Wolverines took control on their home court. SBVC went on a 5-0 run with 1:17 to go that put them up by five points with 51 seconds to go. After a Hancock basket by Shane Carney, McNeal was fouled, and he only converted one of two free throws, giving the Wolverines a four-point lead with 30 seconds to go.
Glenn Jordan followed that with a long 3-pointer to make it a one-point game, and Chris Johnson was fouled for the Wolverines. He only made one-of-two free throws. Carney made a layup with 2 seconds remaining to send the game to the second overtime.
Carney put the Bulldogs ahead to start the second extra session, hitting a 3-pointer to give Hancock the lead, which it would not relinquish. The Bulldogs led by as many as five points in the second OT, but the Wolverines had their chances. They pulled within one, and forced a Hancock turnover with 14 seconds to go. Kevin McNeal's jumper from the free throw line bounced out, and Kevin Baines pulled down the rebound and was fouled. He missed both free throws, and Logan Koch's desperation heave missed the rim, ending the game.
