Shawn Ramos hit a game-tying 3-pointer, and Santa Barbara made its free throws late in the game to rally from a seven-point deficit in the last five minutes and escape with a 53-51 Channel League boys basketball victory at Ventura on Monday night.
Jeff Paschke knocked down five 3-pointers en route to 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Dons (17-3, 6-3). Jack Baker added 13 points and hauled in 16 rebounds, as Santa Barbara remained one game behind first-place San Marcos in the standings.
Santa Barbara played without leading scorer Emilio Gonzalez. He was suspended for Monday’s game for violating a school and athletic policy.
Paschke picked up the scoring slack in Gonzalez’s absence. He made four of his five 3-pointers in the first half when the Dons led 24-19.
Ventura came out hot in the third quarter and outscored Santa Barbara 16-6 to take a 35-30 lead. The Cougars made 10 3-pointers in the game.
The Dons were down by seven in the fourth quarter when they began their comeback.
A rebound and a quick outlet resulted in a layup and a steal led to another layup. Santa Barbara then got a defensive stop and Ramos followed with his 3-pointer.
Santa Barbara is back on the road on Wednesday at Buena.
