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Sports

Sultans Close In on Title with Win Over Monte Vista

Landon Lozoya scores 32 points, including 17 in the third quarter as Santana comes back from a nine-point halftime deficit.

Following the school's biggest comeback of the season, few members of the Santana High Sultans were celebrating after rolling past host Monte Vista 76-61 in Tuesday's key Grossmont Valley League boys basketball game.

"We have three goals to close the regular season," noted Santana head coach Tim Barry. "And this was just the second of them."

The Sultans did move into position for goal No. 3. By capturing Friday's regular-season finale at home against El Capitan, they would earn at least a share of the GVL title for their first championship in five seasons.

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The big rally came courtesy of juniors Landon Lozoya and Ryan Bickford after Santana trailed by nine points early in the second half in a game they led 7-0 out of the blocks.

Lozoya, who finished with 32 points, registered five triples as part of his 17 points in the third period. So when the Monarchs paid more attention to Lozoya, Bickford blossomed with 14 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter for the double-digit victory.

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For a half, the contest belonged to Monte Vista, which could've clinched at least a share of the league title with a triumph. Instead, the Monarchs can finish no better than second, hampering their quest for a home CIF playoff game.

The combination of James Jackson and Rueben Nwando fueled the hosts. Jackson recorded team highs of 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Nwando tallied half of his 11 points in the second quarter to mount a 38-29 lead at the intermission.

Outside shooting rallied the Sultans, including a key 3-ball by guard Jason Corbisez.

Monte Vista elected to switch defenses by covering full court and attempting to trap the ball-handler. But the strategy backfired when the press break resulted in Santana shooting 8-for-10 from the field and 11-for-11 from the foul line down the stretch.

Santana (18-8 overall, 5-2 GVL) is tied for first with Mount Miguel (19-7, 5-2) heading into Friday's finales. Both teams will be favored, as the Matadors meet last-place El Cajon Valley while the Sultans still have work to do against their arch rivals from Lakeside.

Monte Vista finished the season at 15-10 (5-3 league).  

Special to Patch.com from East County Sports.com

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