Artesia Free Throws Beat Glendora : Division II Boys: Pioneer defense holds off Tartans’ outside shooting to reach State final.

After stopping Glendora’s outside shooting, top-seeded Artesia took control of the game at the free-throw line in final quarter to defeat the Tartans, 57-44, in the boys’ Southern Regional State Division II championship game before a crowd of 5,315 at the Sports Arena Saturday.

Artesia (28-2) made 13 of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter and 22 of 24 for the game to advance into Saturday’s State final in Oakland, where it will play Sunnyvale Fremont, a 53-47 winner over Sacramento Jesuit in the Northern Regional final.

The Pioneers knew that they had to stop Glendora’s outside shooting, which had carried the Tartans to the Southern Section 4-AA Division title last week.

Against Artesia, Glendora made only two of 21 three-point attempts.

“They lived and died with the three-point shot all season,” Artesia Coach Wayne Merino said. “We knew we had to stop them from getting open shots.”

On offense, the Pioneers received balanced scoring, with senior 6-foot-8 standout Ed O’Bannon leading the way with 18 points despite playing most of the game in foul trouble.

“(The fouls) took me away from being more aggressive out there,” said O’Bannon. “Hopefully, a game like this will help us in the finals next week.”

Glendora (28-6), which won the Southern Regional Division II title last season, led, 36-35, early in the fourth quarter. However, Artesia outscored the Tartans, 22-8, in the game’s final seven minutes.

Artesia guard DeAndre Austin scored 10 of his 14 points in the final quarter.