San Marino Loses Late Lead To Ribet Academy

It went into books as its fourth defeat of the season, but the San Marino boys basketball team put forth a valiant effort before coming up short Thursday.

Ribet Academy needed a big fourth quarter to overcome the determined Titans to score a 51-47 victory in the second round of the Pasadena Poly Tournament.

"I thought we played really hard tonight against a very athletic team," San Marino coach Mihail Papadopulos said. "I'm very proud of the effort that we're putting forth. We want to be able to compete and have a chance to win. With time we will find a way to win these games."

Ribet Academy (2-0) has key returning players from last season's CIF Southern Section Division 6AA championship team, including 6-foot-8 post player Greg Sequele. Sequele, who possesses tremendous jumping ability, made his presence felt under the board with some impressive blocked shots, clutch rebounds and a game-high 13 points.

San Marino forward Luke Benuska made his presence felt, too. The senior also scored 13 points and was credited with eight rebounds.

"I thought Luke did a great job tonight," Papadopulos said. "Sequele is very athletic and Luke managed to stay in front of him."

The Titans (1-4) took a slim 40-38 lead into the fourth quarter and stretched to 45-40. But Ribet Academy got successive 3-pointers from Cedric Ranaivo and Robert Cors to take a 46-45 lead with 4:52 remaining.

San Marino's Davonte Young recovered a nice blocked shot by Grover Fan and drove the length of the court for a layup to give the lead back to the Titans. But a basket by Sequele quickly put the Fighting Frogs back on top and it was a lead they wouldn't relinquish as the Titans committed a turnover and missed two free throws.

To add to their frustration, if not their disappointment, a layup by Benuska rolled in-and-out of the rim and was rebounded by Sequele.

Ribet Academy made three of four free throws in the final 13.2 seconds to ensure the win.

San Marino got off to a fast start and led at halftime, 31-29.

A pair of 3-point baskets in the first quarter by senior guard Brandon Rubin jump-started the Titans.

"He really gave us a spark and gave us a lot of confidence," Papadopulos said. "He really played a big role today in giving us a lift. It was a real jolt."

Rubin has gotten off to a slow start, so the Titans really welcomed his contribution early in the game.

"It was really nice to see him come out and knock a couple down," Papadopulos said. "He did a nice job working both ends of the court."

Papadopulos said the improving play of all the guards was another key.

"Our guard play was pretty solid today," he said. "Grover, our point guard, did a great job controlling the turnovers. One of the things we focus on is taking care of the basketball. I thought Grover, Max (Taw) and Davonte did a great job managing the game."

San Marino continues play in the tournament and takes on Oakwood Christian at 4:30 p.m. Friday and faces Marshall Fundamental at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.