Buena Park Hangs On to Beat Marina

Buena Park survived Marina’s furious rally and stingy fourth-quarter defense, hanging on to win, 63-55, in a nonleague boys’ basketball game Wednesday night at Marina.

Marina (6-4) trailed 53-43 after three quarters but forced nine fourth-quarter turnovers by using a full-court press and pulled to within 56-54 on a driving layup by Scott Rivera with 2 minutes 11 seconds left to play.

But the Vikings did not make another basket and Buena Park (9-2) made five of nine free throws in the last minute.

“We knew they would make a run because they’re a good team,” Buena Park Coach Ed Matillo said. “I just told the guys not to panic. I’m real happy with the way we played at the end.”

Many are surprised at the fast start by Buena Park this season, especially after the Coyotes failed to make the playoffs last season. But after playing well over the summer, Matillo expected nothing less than a good season.

“It’s not a total surprise to us,” Matillo said. “These guys were real disappointed that we didn’t make the playoffs last year and they started off the season with the objective of getting back there.”

Center Matt Okoro had 10 of his 19 points in the first quarter for Buena Park, but the Vikings switched to a zone defense to neutralize the 6-foot-6 senior.

Jamaal Allen picked up for Okoro, scoring nine of his 18 points in the second quarter as the Coyotes took a 39-32 halftime lead.

Marina had a quick start, taking a 15-8 lead with 3:11 to play in the first quarter and led 20-16 after the first.

Buena Park seized momentum when referees called a technical foul on Marina Coach Roger Holmes with 6:35 left in the first half. Okoro and Gipson combined to make three of four free throws after the technical and the Coyotes took their first lead, 22-20.

Marina, which made only one of nine three-point attempts, was hampered by the absence of top shooter Jeff Hung, who is out because of a broken foot. Hung was fourth in the county in three-point efficiency last season. The Vikings missed three three-pointers in the final 36 seconds that could have pulled them back to within striking distance.