NOTE: Photos from this game and the Harlandale-South San JV game from Nov. 22 at Harlandale available for purchase at: kjtoso.photoreflect.com

Harlandale can’t maintain eight-point halftime lead in first loss

A three-point shot from senior wing Eric Alcozer with about 2.5 seconds remaining enabled South San (1-2) to edge Harlandale 57-53 Friday at the Indians’ gym.

The Bobcats outscored their hosts 20-12 in the fourth quarter to claim their first victory of the season. South San outscored previously undefeated Harlandale by a 12-point margin in the second half. The Indians jumped to an 11-5 lead in the first quarter and led 27-19 at halftime.

“They hit some shots,” Harlandale coach Chris Adamek said, “and we struggled a little bit (shooting). They turned up the pressure a little more.”

The Indians’ early lead dissolved as the fouls mounted.

“We were kind of in control from the start,” Adamek said. “We had an 8-10 point lead. Then we ended up having foul trouble. We ended up with three guys fouling out.

“That had a little bit to do with it, but South San had more to do with it. They were shooting a little better and playing a little bit better defense (in the second half).”

Junior point guard Olando Lopez led South San with 18 points. Jesus Samarripas scored 12. The late basket gave Alcozer 10 points. David Valdez contributed nine points.

Senior George Rodriguez was the top Harlandale scorer with 15 points. Jesus Maltos scored 10. Armando Guerrero and Joshua Rodriguez each added nine.

“It was a good game,” Adamek said. “They have a good coach and they communicate well. Playing games like that, with a good crowd is a lot of fun.

“I wish South San was still in our district. When they were in the same district, we both were always near the top of the district standings.”

Post Ram Torres scored eight before fouling out. The Indians also lost their starting guards with five fouls apiece.

“We struggled to control our glass when Ram fouled out,” Adamek said.

The Indians incurred their first loss with a rotation that’s quickly gaining varsity experience. A day later, senior leader Brandon Ramon and a handful of others extended their football season by at least another week.

“We’re adjusting really well and getting our JV guys in,” Adamek said. “They got some great experience in a pressure cooker like that.

“I’m really excited about the way the season’s going. We have a lot of potential to get better. We’re good now, but they could improve more in the next two months.”