Photo by Shar Higa

Using an early 18-0 run that they spent the rest of the game defending, and building on, Millikan announced its intentions to play a hassling full-court defense for the upcoming second round of league play, in an impressive 74-49 win over Lakewood.  The Rams (2-3) did everything right, never allowing Lakewood (2-3) more than 14 points in a quarter, sinking 20 free throws, and outrebounding the Lancers by a healthy margin.  They also pounded the ball inside well, as Andrew Scott and Jeremiah Blandin combined for 27 points in the paint.

Lakewood got off to a speedy start, going up 9-4 early in the first quarter.  However, stifling defense from Millikan, as well as a number of unforced errors, coupled with a hot shooting stretch by the Rams, led to an 18-0 run that extended into the opening minutes of the second quarter.  With a 22-9 lead, Millikan relied on defense to put the game away.  “The last few games our defense has been good,” said Rams coach Jeff Breuklander, “but it hasn’t fed into our offense enough, which it did tonight.”

The most impressive aspect of the performance for Millikan was that they never let up—they outscored Lakewood in all four quarters, and never seemed unfocused or tired, particularly on defense (they held Lakewood to 3-11 shooting from beyond the arc, and under 40% from the field).  Blandin, off the bench, poured in 12 points, six boards, a steal, and two blocks to help fill the stat line, providing an excellent boost.  Lakewood’s dynamic duo of Jared Garber and Jonathan Snagg put up a combined 29 points, but the rest of the roster mustered just 20 points.

Both teams have a bye during this final week of the Moore League’s first round, but Millikan will host Compton on Wednesday and Lakewood will host Wilson on Friday.