A Little Allen Goes a Long Way for Saddleback

Nekeda Allen made the most of a limited amount of time, scoring a game-high 16 points to help Saddleback defeat Los Angeles Harbor, 80-54, Tuesday in the second round of the Southern California women’s basketball playoffs.

Allen, a freshman center whose asthma limits her playing time, made seven of nine shots from the field.

She was at her best early. Saddleback was leading, 12-10, when Allen came in to make four baskets and two free throws. Saddleback went on a 16-2 run to take a 28-12 lead with 8 minutes 15 seconds left in the game.

“We have to limit [Allen’s] playing time,� Saddleback Coach Jack Single said. “We have to made a concentrated effort to get her the ball when she’s in there. We’d love to have her for 30 minutes.�

The victory moves Saddleback (28-0) a game closer to a berth in the state tournament March 7-9 in San Jose. The Gauchos, the second-ranked team in the state, will host San Diego Mesa at 7 p.m. Saturday in the regional finals.

Saddleback defeated San Diego Mesa, 69-62, in late November.

Saddleback led, 45-27, at the half and Los Angeles Harbor never got closer than 16 points in the second half.

The loss ends Los Angeles Harbor’s bid for a third consecutive state title. The Seahawks finish 20-11.

Cha-Ron Walker had 15 points and nine rebounds and Shanna Renken scored 12 for Saddleback.

In another playoff game:

San Diego Mesa 82, Orange Coast 69--San Diego Mesa had a 22-point lead midway through the second half, but Orange Coast was able to cut it to 75-69 on Tina Afan’s three-pointer with 1:29 left. However, the Pirates missed their remaining shots.

Orange Coast (23-11) was led by Afan, who scored 23 points, and Jamie Shine, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out with 1:40 remaining.

The Olympians (23-6), who will play unbeaten Saddleback on Saturday, were led by Truc Huynh with 19 points. Brea Lowary had 16 points and Ana Diamond scored 15.

The Pirates forced 33 turnovers, but were outrebounded, 53-44, and shot 33% from the field.