Strong performances propelled the Murrieta Mesa boys basketball team to a decisive victory over league rival Temecula Valley in the second round of the CIF Southern Section playoffs. The matchup, held on February 10, 2024, marked a rare occurrence of a third face-off between these teams in the same season. Murrieta Mesa, the Southwestern League champion, triumphed with an impressive score of 88-67, securing their first-ever quarterfinal appearance in school history.
The Rams took control of the game early, trailing only once. After a brief lead by Temecula Valley, Murrieta Mesa quickly established dominance. They surged ahead with a 24-point advantage in the third quarter, although Temecula Valley managed to narrow the gap to 13 points in the final minutes.
Coach Chris Featherly acknowledged the challenge posed by Temecula Valley, stating, “Temecula Valley is a well-coached team and we knew they weren’t just going to roll over in that second half.” Despite the Golden Bears’ efforts to rally, the Rams held their ground and are now set to host Ontario Christian, who won their matchup against San Marino by 54-52, on Tuesday night.
The game commenced with a spirited atmosphere in the Bear Cave, where Murrieta Mesa’s Fabian Ruiz led the scoring with a game-high 28 points. The Rams struggled initially but found their rhythm with an 8-5 lead after Carlito Christian scored consecutive points. Temecula Valley briefly led 3-0, but that would be the last time they held an advantage.
With just under three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Temecula Valley’s Liam Hodgkinson reduced the deficit to 11-10. However, Murrieta Mesa responded emphatically, launching a 13-2 run that would set the tone for the remainder of the match. This surge included two critical three-point shots by Ruiz, helping the Rams end the quarter with a commanding 23-13 lead.
The second quarter saw Murrieta Mesa extend their lead further, driven by a 12-0 run that showcased their offensive prowess. Kingston Saul contributed significantly with six consecutive points, and a buzzer-beater three-pointer by Ray Riley ensured the Rams entered halftime with a dominant 46-27 advantage.
“This is going to be the start of something great for Mesa in boys basketball,” Christian remarked, emphasizing the team’s focus and commitment since the summer training sessions. The players’ dedication is clearly translating into success on the court as they continue their playoff journey.
In the third quarter, Temecula Valley fought back, but the Rams maintained their lead at 67-43 heading into the final period. The Golden Bears’ junior guard Evan Fratt stepped up, scoring 12 of his team-high 20 points in a valiant effort to close the gap. Despite his contributions, they could not overcome the Rams’ lead, which was solidified by a timely three-pointer from Jagger Saul with just over three minutes remaining.
As the final buzzer sounded, Murrieta Mesa celebrated their milestone victory, propelling them into the next round of the playoffs. The anticipation builds as they prepare to host Ontario Christian, aiming for continued success in their historic playoff run.
