Top-seeded Bishop Diego stormed back from an 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter and defeated Yeshiva, 50-49, in a CIF-SS 4A Division second-round girls basketball playoff game on Monday night at the Brick House Gym.
Galilea De La Cruz led the comeback, scoring nine of her game-high 20 points in the final quarter. Lily Simolon scored six points down the stretch, including four free throws, and Siena Urzua knocked down four point big points.
The Cardinals trailed 43-30 early in the fourth quarter.
“We turned up the defensive pressure,” said coach Jeff Burich of the key to the comeback. “Lily Simolon got a steal and a layup and that woke up the crowd. Siena made some tremendous hustle plays and all 3 of them (Simolon, Urzua and De La Cruz) got to the free throw line 12 times in the quarter making eight.
The Cardinals trimmed the Yeshiva lead to 49-41 midway through the quarter after making a three and continued to chip away with some drives to the basket.
Simolon made one of two free throws to cut the lead to 49-48. Urzua then came up with a big play on a missed shot and saved the ball to Simolon, who was fouled. The senior made both free throws for 50-49 lead, capping a 9-0 run with about 25 seconds left.
Yeshiva took a timeout with nine seconds left at mid court. It got off a last-second shot but the ball was tipped as the buzzer sounded.
“I credit these girls for not giving up,” said Burich. “We changed our press in the fourth quarter and they hustled and executed the comeback. Siena made a difference defensively, Citlali (Morales) stayed out of foul trouble, Gali made a big three and Lily hit some crucial free throws late.”
Kira Neumann scored 15 points and Sophie Rosenberg had 10 to lead Yeshiva.
Bishop Diego (23-3) advances to the quarterfinals and will play at Godinez on Wednesday.