Westwood boys edge Trinity Christian

Trinity Christian Academy (6-8) rallied back from a 10-point halftime deficit but came up just short to Memphis Westwood 59-55 in the opening semifinal match of the HUB City Classic at Oman Arena.

“We did a great job of battling back but we just could not close the deal in at the end of the game,” TCA coach Ken Northcut said. “We had a couple of crucial turnovers in the fourth period that led to easy baskets for Westwood.”

Trailing 36-25 early in the third quarter, TCA went on a 9-0 run behind the hot shooting of Thomas Harvey. He scored five of the nine points, cutting the deficit to just two points 36-34.

Eli Parker scored the Lions' final seven points of the third period to help TCA tie the game up at 43 going into the fourth.

When Westwood needed a bucket guards Martavious Porter and Cameron Sherrod would come through by either making a show-stopping drive the goal or hitting a jump shot. Porter was the leading scorer for the Longhorns with 16 points and Sherrod added 12 points to the win.

“Westwood is a very talented basketball team,” Northcut said. “We let them get to the basket on us too much tonight.”

Sergio Pagoaga was a true gladiator for the Lions as he battled Westwood’s two post players all night and led TCA in scoring with 18 points and rebounds with 11.  He also was a key factor in keeping the Longhorns' post players (Marquez Holmes and Darius Austin) on the bench with foul trouble most of the second half.

“Sergio gave a great effort tonight. He only came out for a few minutes” Northcut said.

TCA’s Harvey added 15 points and Parker had 11 points for the Lions.

The Lions seemed a little off in the first period as their shots would not go in and Weswood’s trapping defense kept them from getting into their offense.

“This game is a good learning experience for the postseason. In regional play we always have to go to Memphis and play a team like Westwood, very athletic with good size as well,”  Northcut said.