The matchup was billed as a clash of styles; Mayfair’s run-and-gun attack to Wilson’s careful halfcourt offense.  But the Bruins gave the Monsoons a taste of their own medicine, slowing down the fast break and speeding it up when given the chance on the way to an 80-68 victory Friday night.

Forward Michael Wilder led the way with 24 while point guard Steven Richard sliced and diced for 18, many of which came during a decisive run in the 2nd half.

Falling behind 7-0 to open the contest, Wilson regrouped to snag a 14-11 lead and would not trail again.  The Bruins controlled the tempo for the entire game, impressively handling Mayfair’s full-court press and forcing some turnovers with a half-court trap of their own.  When Mayfair’s guards blew by defenders on the perimeter, the Wilson defense collapsed to thwart the drive.

Mayfair made several runs at the lead—cutting it to two at one point in the 3rd quarter—mostly on the back of guard Charles Odum, who was able to get to the rim whenever he wanted.  The Bruins inexplicably pressued Odum on the perimeter despite his unproven jump shot, and Odum took advantage on his way to 22 points.

But Wilson always had an answer, getting key buckets from Wilder and Richard, and the Bruins—Wilder in particular—came up big on the free-throw line as the clock wound down.

The win sends Wilson to the CIF-SS Div. 1AA semifinals, where they earn the right to play undefeated Mater Dei, ranked #2 in the nation by many polls.

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The other Moore League team in action didn’t fare so well.

Compton fell to Santa Margartia last night to end a season that saw the Tarbabes win 24 games.  But falling behind by 20 points early was too much to overcome.