HS BASE: Nail-biting time for Mission League's final playoff spot

Heading into the regular-season finale today, fourth-place Harvard-Westlake (13-12, 4-7) has a one-game lead over Alemany (11-15, 3-8) for the league's final playoff berth.

If Harvard-Westlake loses today to St. Francis, coupled with a victory by Alemany over Loyola, then Harvard-Westlake plays Alemany on Friday in a special tie-breaker to determine which team qualifies for the Southern Section Div. III playoffs. The site would be determined by coin flip.

"Well, obviously we have to find a way to get this done and win the game," Harvard-Westlake coach Matt LaCour said. "There isn't much that needs to be said. Our guys understand the importance of this game, and they have to go out and play."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com