The Cupertino boys basketball team managed its third victory of the season, defeating host Live Oak 55-44.
The Pioneers have a proud tradition in basketball, counting former Los Angeles Laker Kurt Rambis as an alumnus. But Cupertino has struggled so far this season with a 3-8 record. Losing last season's best player, Gokul Natesan (23.1 points per game in 2011-12), to graduation hasn't helped.
But the Pioneers played well against Live Oak with Jeffrey Liando scoring 18 points to lead the way.
Live Oak's Luke Laguna matched Liando, scoring 18 points as well.
"We never gave up,” said forward Eddie Plascencia, who chipped in with 14 points for Live Oak.
Cupertino extended a 28-25 halftime lead to double digits by outscoring Live Oak 14-7 in the third quarter.
Plascencia made three fourth-quarter three-pointers, but it was too late for the Acorns (5-5).
