Pasadena HC Tim Tucker instructs his team Friday night.
By Juan Carlos Salas
(Pasadena) – On paper, it could’ve been a close game, but Pasadena (5-0) put away Burbank (3-2) to win the battle of the Bulldogs, 69-39, on Friday night.
“To play Burbank and win by 30 on your third game of the week is a big win because there’s a mental let down and everybody is tired,” said Pasadena Head Coach Tim Tucker. “I didn’t except every player to be sharp, but it’s not one guy that beats us, it’s the whole team.”
Tyler Barber led the way for Pasadena with 19 points and three blocks. George Toyama had eight points and Todd Lewis followed with seven points and two steals.
Even though Pasadena did its job, Burbank didn’t help itself shooting 38% from the field and going 2 for 13 beyond the arc. Edward Ha scored a team high 13 points for the “blue dogs”, but seven of Ha’s points came off the free throw line.
Both teams were quiet to start the game as Pasadena took a 10-6 lead through the first quarter, but stepped up in the second quarter scoring 18 points to Burbank’s 11.
Burbank was able to find little success outside the arc late in the second, but didn’t translate into the second half.
Pasadena started the third quarter with a 15-2 run lasting over 6 minutes, including a breakaway dunk by Lewis to pump up the crowd.
“I though we played a decent first half but played better in the second half,” said Tucker. We came out of the locker room, turned it up defensively and got some steals and easy baskets.”
Proof was on the court as Burbank couldn’t get any space inside and kept forcing the basket, which lead to blocks or altered shots.
The last quarter slowed down play due to five technical fouls called by the refs. Four of those went to Burbank and two were directed to Ha late in the game, which led to his ejection. The constant stoppage only helped Pasadena drain the clock and wrap up their fifth straight league win.
“It’s a good win for the program, this puts is in the drivers seat,” said Tucker. “I am excited about how my guys are playing, leaving it out on the court.”
After the holiday, Pasadena will travel to Burroughs and host Muir while Burbank hosts CV and city rival Burroughs.
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