Rough second half allowed Santa Teresa to take the lead over
Live Oak
Morgan Hill – The Live Oak Acorns boys basketball team fell to host Santa Teresa, 48-42, in San Jose on Friday, following a week’s rest. The Acorns led the Saints 28-20 at halftime before the second half let down, Live Oak scored just 14 points the entire half, that cost them the game.
“Our goal was to put pressure on them (Santa Teresa),” said Live Oak coach Brett Paolucci. “We were 5-for-9 shooting 3-pointers in the first half and played really good defense. In the second half we lost focus a couple of times on the offensive side and Santa Teresa started to pressure us. You can’t win when you score only 14 points in an entire half.”
Live Oak was handicapped by Santa Teresa’s defense in the second half, managing just seven points in the third quarter and seven points in the fourth quarter.
The Saints offense made the most of their opportunities in the second half, firing off 28 points to overcome the Acorns.
Dustin Bynum led Live Oak with 11 points and four rebounds in the game, while Bobby Long added nine points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Acorns.
Bynum has averaged 7.5 points through 12 games this season and has made 18 of 29 free throws, making him a go to guy on the court for the Acorns.
“This was the fourth game in a row that Bynum has had a fabulous game,” said Paolucci. “He’s a real presence in the post and did a great job.”
Brandon Greene finished with nine points for the Acorns, making three of his nine 3-pointer attempts and teammate Micah Jones contributed five points, five steals and four rebounds.
“We pressured them early, but we didn’t keep it consistent enough,” said Paolucci.
The Acorns return to action tonight when they head back to San Jose to face Westmont at 7pm. Live Oak will be looking to get back on track and gain momentum heading into league on January 7.
“Westmont has speed and size,” said Paolucci. “it’s going to be a tough game. We’re going to work on playing a complete ballgame.”
Live Oak will participate in the Milpitas Tournament on Thursday and Friday before kicking off Tri-County Athletic League play against the Palma Chieftains.
