Chargers hold off inspired Santa Barbara

Jay Larinan scored 17 points and Christopher Williams drew a charging foul that nullified a Santa Barbara basket with 42 seconds left as Dos Pueblos escaped with a 54-48 Channel League boys basketball win at J.R. Richards Gym.

“Santa Barbara is playing a lot better,” DP coach Joe Zamora said. “I was concerned about this game.”

Inspired by a big crowd, the Dons pushed the Chargers (11-11, 4-6).

“They came out with a lot of emotion,” Zamora said. “The crowd fired them up; they battled. Coach Hantgin has them playing a lot better and playing with more confidence. Our guys had their work cut out for them tonight.”

Larinan grabbed 7 rebounds to go along with 17 points and Robert Cid scored 11 points. He made 5 of 6 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter to stave off the Dons.

Williams also played a big role for DP, drawing the charging foul and scoring eight points.

“I’m proud of him. He really stepped up,” said Zamora of his sophomore.

Santa Barbara was led Brandon Fay and Daniel Marshall with 14 points each.