By Alex Gonzalez
(La Canada) – Eric Olivas scored 20 points and Felix Awujo added 18 and four rebounds in Temple City’s 54-36 win over La Canada Wednesday night at La Canada high school.
From the start of the game the Rams were able to jump out to a quick lead and stop the Spartans on defense. La Canada didn’t score its first points until Ryan Lee hit a three pointer with 2:49 left in the first quarter.
“We had wide open looks and they have to go inside the basket,” said La Canada Coach Tom Hofman. “We just didn’t make shots, we scored 33 points.”
In the first, Temple City jumped out to a 14-5 lead but the Spartans tightened their defense in the second quarter and held the Rams to just six points. Led by Lee, the Spartans put on a scoring run cutting down the Rams lead to one point with 4:22 left in the first half.
Following intermission TC opened the second stanza on a 14-3 run. Olivas shot a perfect three-for-three from behind the arc stretching their lead to double figures. His shooting performance continued in the fourth connecting on two more threes including a four point play.
“That guy is a good player,” said Hofman. “He’s the best player in the league. When he makes shots from 30 feet what are you going to do? He is one of the best in the area.”
As a team, TC out rebounded the Spartans 29-18. Senior center Kasmir Khaliq led the team with 10 rebounds. He also added six points and two blocks.
The win keeps the Rams a top the Rio Hondo and undefeated. They look to continue their win streak when they travel to Monrovia.
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