Costa Mesa, Estancia clash again in league play tonight

If the playoffs were to start today, the Estancia High boys’ basketball team wouldn’t qualify.

One game is the difference and the Eagles get their second chance at the team they’re trailing in the Orange Coast League.

Estancia plays host to Costa Mesa tonight in the Battle for the Bell at 7.

The Mustangs beat their cross-town rival, 49-47, on Jan 9. This one promises to be just as close.

The Mustangs are 2-2 in league, currently in third place. The Eagles are 1-3, good enough for fourth place in the five-team league.

Costa Mesa started off league play with two straight victories before falling to the top two teams, Laguna Beach and Calvary Chapel, by an average of 15 points per game.

Estancia’s lone victory came against Godinez, a first-year varsity program. The Eagles placed second last season, while the Mustangs finished last.

If Costa Mesa wins, it will have a two-game lead over Estancia and also bragging rights.

— David Carrillo Peñaloza