Santa Maria’s boys basketball team took its Santa Barbara Holiday Classic opener from Carpinteria on Wednesday in a 54-46 decision in favor of the Saints.
Jayson Abayon led all scorers with 15 points, including eight in the third quarter alone. Devon Brock added 11 points.
Ian Craddock’s 10 points led the Warriors. Marcus Hutchinson scored all nine of his points from the free throw line, making 9-of-11.
The Warriors trailed by eight at halftime but were able to cut the lead to three in the third quarter. The Saints fought off the rally and built the lead up to 11 in the fourth quarter.
“Second half, especially the fourth quarter, we just went ice-cold from the field,” said Warriors head coach Johnny Ward. “That’s what really hurt.”
Thursday’s second round of games has Carpinteria playing at 10:30 a.m. while Santa Maria plays at 6 p.m. against the winner between South Pasadena and Canoga Park.
