Sante Fe Christian roared back in the fourth quarter against San Marcos on Thursday night but ran out of time as the Royals held on for a 56-53 victory on the first day of the Coast Union Tournament.
San Marcos held a 45-31 advantage heading into the final quarter but Santa Fe Christian’s hot hand helped close the gap.
The Royals are the defending champions of the tournament and move on to play Templeton in the second round on Friday at Paso Robles High School.
Thayer White is the reigning MVP of tournament and started out with 12 points this year. Chad Ridenour was San Marcos’ top scorer with 21 points while adding three steals. White and Bryce Ridenour contributed four rebounds, but Spencer Johnson pulled down a team-high 11 boards.
The Royals are 4-2 on the season. It was Santa Fe Christian’s first game of the season.
SAN MARCOS 56, SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 53
San Marcos — Zajic 3, B. Ridenour 9, Douglas 3, Ca. Ridenour 2, Hempy 4, Ch. Ridenour 21, Widmer 2, White 12. Totals – FG 17, FT 18-24
Santa Fe Christian — Tucker 11, Byrd 25, Finley 3, Corsi 12, Martin 2. Totals – FG 17, FT 11-16
SM 20 10 15 11 — 56
SFC 7 11 13 22 — 533 PTRs — SM 4 (Zajic, Douglas, Ch. Ridenour 2), SFC 8 (Tucker 3, Byrd 2, Finley, Corsi 2)
Fouls — SM 15, SFC 17 Techs – SM Coach, SFC Coach. Fouled Out – None
