Mt. San Antonio Handles Santa Ana in Title Game

The inconsistent play that has been Santa Ana’s trademark this season was extremely evident Monday when Mt. San Antonio beat the Dons, 97-82, in the championship game of the Santa Ana men’s basketball tournament.

The Dons started the season with four consecutive losses but won eight of the next 11, including an impressive 96-81 victory over Palomar in the tournament’s semifinal round Sunday.

But little positive energy transferred from Sunday to Monday for Santa Ana, which was down at the half, 46-34, and never got closer than 12 in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Gary Heyer, who was selected the tournament’s most valuable player, scored 31 points, making six of 10 three pointers and all five of his free throws for Mt. San Antonio (8-7).

Heyer scored 17 points in the first half, making four three-pointers.

Three-pointers were a key as Mt. San Antonio made 13 of 27 and Santa Ana made seven of 25. Khary Walker and Mark Saukkola each made three three-pointers for Santa Ana (8-8), but Walker tried four and Saukkola attempted 13.

Lohnnie Tape, who left the game late because of sore back that required ice, had 21 points and Saukkola 19 for Santa Ana.

Mt. San Antonio scored the first five points of the game, but Santa Ana rallied for the next 10. But after that, things swung in Mt. San Antonio’s favor.

Emery Thompson scored 17 points and Kevin Hemans had 16 points and 15 rebounds for Mt. San Antonio.

In the consolation final:

Saddleback 87, Whatcom (Wash.) 74--Vernon Jackson scored 24 for Saddleback (8-7).