HS HOOPS: David vs. Goliath, er, Mater Dei vs. Harvard-Westlake ...

Everyone expects Harvard-Westlake of Studio City to get blown out tonight by visiting Mater Dei of Santa Ana, the defending Southern Section and CIF State Div. I champion, in a Southern Section Div. I-AA second-round matchup.

But history is on HW's side. The Wolverines (21-7) defeated Mater Dei by 26 points in a Las Vegas tournament game in 1996 -- the only time the teams have ever played

Big difference: Back then, Harvard-Westlake had the twin towers -- Jason and Jarron Collins -- but this time it's undefeated Mater Dei with the twin towers -- 6-10 juniors Travis and David Wear. This season, Mater Dei has won nearly all of its game by 20 points or more, while Harvard-Westlake is 21-7, including three consecutive losses last month to fall out of Mission League championship contention.

At any rate, this is a showdown between two of California's most storied programs. Harvard-Westlake has won seven section titles (most in area history), while Mater Dei has won 19.

Stay tuned ...

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com