HS HOOPS: Crespi holds on against Loyola 76-72

Crespi High exorcised a basketball demon Wednesday, breaking a four-game series losing streak against powerful Loyola by defeating the host Cubs 76-72 in a Mission League showdown - Crespi's first victory over Loyola since the 2007-2008 season.

"That was one of our preseason goals - to beat Loyola this season," Crespi's Matt Mounier said.

Crespi did a good job of surging to an early lead to help take out Loyola's boisterous crowd, as the Cubs' gym can be a tough place to steal a victory because there is so much fan support.

Crespi led by 10 or more for most of the evening, and the advantage was 16 points with just over three minutes remaining when Loyola hit four 3-pointers to grease a 22-9 run that cut the lead to 75-72 in the final minute, but Crespi hit just enough free throws to escape with the win.

Mounier scored 28 points, hitting 7 of 11 from the field with three 3-pointers while going 11 for 11 from the line. But he did not hit a field goal in the fourth quarter as Loyola (9-4, 1-1) mounted its comeback.

"Loyola got hot and made some tough shots. There's not much you can do about it," Mounier said.

Or, as Crespi coach Russell White put it: "We held on for dear life."

Defending Southern Section Div. IV-A champion Crespi improved to 13-3, 1-0, but there is not much time to savor the victory because the Celts have four Mission League games scheduled over the next seven days.

"We'll enjoy it tonight, then we'll wake up tomorrow and start working on free throws and press attacks and getting better," White said. "This feels great, but it's just one win in league.

Reggie Coates added 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Justin Rubia scored 10.