BBK: Chargers can’t keep pace with Saugus

Dos Pueblos started strong, but Saugus chipped away at the lead and made some key defensive stops down the stretch to beat the Chargers 56-44 at the Ventura County Classic basketball tournament on Thursday night.

DP led 17-6 after the first quarter. Saugus stepped up its game and outscored the Chargers 21-7 in the second to take a 27-24 halftime advantage. It remained a two-point game after three quarters before Saugus broke things open in the final stanza.

Dayne Gardiner scored 14 points and Nate Johnson added 11 points to lead the Chargers (1-4).

Coach Joe Zamora noted the play of Gardiner, Brandon Burkhardt and Eli Wopat.

Dos Pueblos finishes the tournament on Saturday against Rio Mesa.