Los Altos beats Rowland down the stretch: The Hacienda League boys basketball race appears to be wide open this year, so winning at home is going to be critical toward making the playoffs.

After a heart-breaking loss to Walnut on the road Wednesday, Los Altos struggled from the 3-point line in the first half but came out of the locker room on fire in the second half to down Rowland 48-43 in a league game Friday night.

Girls Basketball Roundup
Hacienda League
Los Altos 57, Rowland 54
Natalie Edwards connected on five of six free throws in the fourth quarter to lead the Conquerors (7-9, 1-1) to the victory.
“We played a hard-fought game tonight,” Los Altos coach Maurice Siboldoro said. “We defended their (Rowland) perimeter game real well, and stepped up and stopped their 3-point shooters.” Conquerors junior forward Jasmine Hamori poured in 17 points, while grabbing 16 rebounds to go along with two steals.
Senior center Savannah Blackiston added 17 points, 17 rebounds and two assists. Edwards finished with nine points, four blocks, three steals and six assists.
Rowland (9-7, 0-1) was led by Alice Liau with a game-high 18 points and Briel Jordan with 17 points.
Nonleague
St. Paul 67, La Puente 20
The Swordsmen kept the Warriors at bay with their consistent offense which was evident during the second quarter as St. Paul (12-5) went on a 13-0 run.
Priscilla Hidalgo led the Swordsmen with 11 points and three rebounds while teammate Lisa Gutierrez added eight points, four rebounds and two assists. Holly Shafer held down the defensive end for St. Paul with a team-leading five rebounds and two steals.
St. Paul opens Camino Del Rey League play Tuesday at St. Bernard.

Bishop Amat 62, Alhambra 16
The Lancers’ stingy defense against the Moors (2-11) paved the way for a calm and deliberate offense. “We played pretty well defensively. Our offense was balanced. Twelve kids scored tonight,” Bishop Amat coach Richard Wiard said. Kaysee Tayag led Bishop Amat (13-4) with 12 points, three steals and two assists. Leeah Powell added eight points, four rebounds and four steals.
The Lancers play tonight at Redondo Union in their final nonleague game.