The San Marcos boys ran into a hot-shooting Buena team Wednesday night in Channel League action, losing 82-58 on Senior Night at Maury Halleck Gym.
Five 3-pointers in the first quarter helped Buena to a 21-14 lead after one quarter. The Bulldogs expanded the lead to 15 at halftime, 44-29.
The Royals did their best to cut the lead in the second half, but Buena’s offensive rebounding and timely shooting kept them at bay.
Wyatt Miler led the Royals with 17 points and Diego Reyes added 13, including 3 three-pointers. Micah Jacobi also hit double figures for San Marcos with 10.
“Loved our effort tonight,” San Marcos coach James Kinzler said. “Buena is just so solid, top to bottom, inside and out. Credit to them for playing well and having a great season so far.
“But I still liked the way our guys battled and stayed together. I thought Wyatt and Diego maybe played their best all-around games of the season, and Micah and Owen (Lauderdale) held their own against some very strong inside players for Buena.”
The Royals, still in the hunt for a CIF-SS playoff spot, are now 5-5 in league play and play at Santa Barbara at 7 p.m. Friday.
Buena, ranked No. 3 in CIF-SS Division 3AA, is 9-2 in the Channel League and 22-3 overall.