Manny Rodriguez’s final two points broke a 48-48 tie and Jovan Saenz assisted Victor Garcia on a bucket after that as the Carpinteria boys basketball team won its Tri-Valley League opener over visiting Santa Clara on Friday, 52-48.
Rodriguez finished with 28 points on 11-for-16 shooting while also pulling down 18 rebounds and tallying three blocks. He was the only Warrior in double-figures, as fellow standout Kevin Lusterio had nine points and nine assists.
Lusterio injured his knee on a drive to the basket late in the fourth quarter and had to be helped off the court. He tried to return but didn’t last long.
Coach John Ward said he was proud of his supporting cast, including Trevor Madden for holding the Saints’ best player to 11 points and Victor Garcia for scoring six points.
The Warriors are now 10-4 overall and 1-0 in the TVL while the Saints fall to 4-9, 0-1. Carpinteria hosts Malibu on Wednesday.
CARPINTERIA 52, SANTA CLARA 48
SANTA CLARA — Craig 11, De La Huerta 2, Jackson 7, Kilmer 4, Laubacher 3, Randolph 13, Valdavinos 8. Totals 17 11-16 48.
CARPINTERIA — Garcia 6, Madden 3, Lusterio 9, Sova 2, Bustillos 2, Saenz 2, Rodriguez 28. Totals 21 8-19 52.
Santa Clara…7 15 16 10 — 48
Carpinteria…17 9 16 10 — 52
3-point goals — SC 3 (Valdavinos 2, Craig 1), C 2 (Rodriguez, Lusterio). Total fouls — SC 16, C 12.
