WALNUT CREEK, CA - In a dominating performance, Northgate defeated Mt. Diablo, 77-25, in Friday night Diablo Athletic League boys basketball action. The Broncos led the entire game, shooting over 60 percent from the field and forcing many turnovers.
“We really locked them down on defense, and I think that was key to the game,” said Northgate's Aiden Lechner.
By the end of the first quarter, the Broncos (16-2, 4-0 DAL-Valley) had opened up a 19-point lead at 27-8. Things got worse for Mt. Diablo in the second quarter as Northgate went into the half leading 44-17. Despite only having six available players and shooting 30% in the first half, the Red Devils continued to play hard.
Northgate came out even stronger in the second half. By the end of the third quarter, the Broncos led 66-20 after scoring 22 points and holding the Red Devils to just three.
“The second half was really bad for us because we’re still learning how to finish games,” said Red Devils coach Ejon Felder.
Northgate coach Ron Pangilinan was pleased with how his team closed out the game.
“We held them to eight points in the second half. When you do something like that, you’re playing great defense.”
Mt. Diablo will play Ygnacio Valley (2-13) next on January 30 at home.
“We have to perfect what we do. Every game changes and it may take some time, but the guys are still really young and have to figure out how to end the game,” added Felder.
Northgate will play at San Lorenzo (11-7) next on Saturday, January 27.
“We did well today. We executed and played hard,” Pangilinan concluded.
