PEBBLE BEACH >> When is a 20-point lead midway through the third quarter not enough? When you lose 62-60 in overtime, that’s when.
Kelseyville (4-1) was cruising along toward a fifth straight win to open its season on Thursday night against Aspire Langston Hughes Academy of Stockton in the opening round of the Stevenson Tournament when things went terribly wrong.
“They started hitting some long shots, but we didn’t extend our defense out far enough to cover their shooters” Kelseyville coach Scott Conrad said. “When we had a hand in their faces, they didn’t hit those shots.”
Kelseyville had a 29-15 halftime lead and pushed its advantage to 20 points in the third quarter when the Langston Hughes rally began. The Knights’ lead was down to 43-35 by quarter’s end and the Titans pulled even at 58 by the end of regulation with a 23-15 fourth quarter.
The Stockton team outscored Kelseyville 4-2 in the overtime period.
“We learned a lesson tonight and that’s what these preseason games are for,” Conrad said. “We were coasting and I guess they thought they had it won.”
Part of Kelseyville’s problem was a 5-for-12 night at the free-throw line, including 0-for-4 in the overtime period.
Kyle Ellis’ 20 points led the Knights, Ean Valenzuela added 15 and Trey Conrad had 13. Logan Barrick finished with seven points and a team-high 16 rebounds.
Kelseyville plays Woodside Priory of Portola Valley tonight at 8 p.m.
“They are better than the team we played tonight,” Conrad said.
