Forward Lawrence Lam (12) led Westview’s offensive effort in a 47-43 loss against Rancho Bernardo, Feb. 4. The game remained close throughout all four quarters. The team kept the game within reach until the final seconds, when Lam’s shot for the lead at 45-43 bounced off the rim. Rancho Bernardo secured its win with two subsequent free throws. 

After falling behind by seven points in the first quarter when Rancho Bernardo established early momentum with consecutive three-pointers and strong defensive pressure, Westview began to gain a foothold against Rancho Bernardo, with Lam making multiple layups and a three-pointer to help close the gap. 

By halftime, the Wolverines had narrowed the deficit to one, 24-23, outscoring the Broncos in the second quarter.

“We didn’t come out, like, good at all. We weren’t really running our offense, so our coach called a time out, and we were able to, like, regroup and get back together,” Lam said. “After the start, we just had to settle in and get the lead back. We were really determined because we lost to them last time and we didn’t want to lose again.”

The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, with neither team being able to establish comfortable control. Both teams struggled to maintain the lead: a field goal from Lam and two free throws from Shervin Kamsi (12) put four more points on the board, while the Broncos fought to break through Westview’s defense and score their own baskets. 

The scoring remained tight as both teams made shot after shot, with the score switching leads five times in the third quarter alone. Rancho Bernardo scored a field goal in the last four seconds of the third quarter to secure their two-point lead, 36-34. 

“I just felt like we got more comfortable, so we just started doing our thing instead of being scared,” Lam said. “I believe in the work I’ve put in, and my teammates trust me as well, so I just kept doing what I knew I could do.”

The fourth quarter maintained the same intensity. Rancho Bernardo pushed its lead to 45-40 through three consecutive field goals and a free throw, but Westview refused to give up. Lam hit a key three-point goal with under a minute left to tighten the gap at two points. 

In the last 15 seconds of the game, Westview took possession of the ball after Rancho Bernardo missed a shot, passing it to Lam on the three-point line, who shot it with less than five seconds remaining. The shot missed, and Rancho Bernardo converted two free throws to seal the 47-43 victory.

While fouls and free throws were constant throughout the game, Lam noted that they didn’t significantly disrupt Westview’s rhythm compared to previous games where technical penalties proved more problematic. He did however acknowledge that defensive struggles against Rancho Bernardo’s zone defense created opportunities for easy baskets that proved costly in such a close game.

Despite the loss, Lam said he was glad the team improved compared to their previous games against Rancho Bernardo.

“Obviously, the result wasn’t what we wanted, but I was still proud of us, because last time we were struggling a lot more,” he said.

Lam said the narrow defeat against one of the top teams proved that their preparations were moving them in the right direction as they prepared for the remainder of their league schedule. He mentioned that the competitiveness of the game only further proved the progress they have made this season.

“We beat the best or second-best team in D2, and we barely lost to the best team, so it just gives us confidence that we know we can hang with anyone and beat anyone, so we’re ready for whoever’s next,” Lam said. “This game just feels good to at least put up a fight and take the lead.”