For two years running, Ryan Frazer has found the formula to push lower seeds to great heights. A year after guiding a #21 seeded MiraCosta to the state championship tournament, Frazer directed the #12 seed Pasadena City College men's baskeball team to its first SoCal Regional Final appearance in 30 years.
The Lancers (22-8 overall) upset #5 seed San Diego Miramar, 72-60, on Saturday in Round 2 of the regionals, allowing PCC to advance to face host #4 San Bernardino Valley (26-3) in the Round 3 finals next Saturday, Mar. 4. Tip-off is 7 p.m.
PCC was the only team to break up the top eight seeds still going in the regionals. The Lancers ended Miramar's 10-game win streak and handed the PCAC champion Jets (25-5) their first and only loss on their home floor after they were 14-0 previously.
The Lancers took a 15-6 lead and never trailed. After leading 30-23 by halftime, Miramar cut the margin to two, 46-44 by the 30-minute mark. Pasadena responded with two 3-pointers by Shant Chenorhavorian. That was followed by lay-in and a 16-foot jumper from near the free throw line by Nigel Wilson that extended the Lancers lead to 56-45 with 6:54 remaining.
Twice, the Jets sliced the lead to six, but in both cases the Lancers answered with treys by Jonathan Tchengang (4:06 to go) and Rande Harper with 1:50 left. Nurridin Abdur-Rahmann sank four free throws while Jayden Winfrey and Tchengang hit two each to close out the triumph.
"Getting into the playoffs is a big deal in itself, but being able to win two games, especially a road game, is an even bigger accomplishment," Frazer said. "I'm so proud of this team and how committed they are to the task at hand.
"The support from the community and PCC has been amazing as well. I know myself, theh staff, and the players have used that support to help us push through at times. Reaching the third round is a blessing and something we won't take for granted."
Wilson had a huge performance, finishing with 20 points (8-for-14 from the field) and seven rebounds before fouling out in the last two minutes. Winfrey once again has proven to be maybe the team's quiet MVP. The sophomore transfer point guard three times made thefts into uncontested baskets when PCC took early control in the first half.
He totaled 10 points, eight assists, five steals, and five rebounds. Tchengang added 13 points and six boards while Harper knocked down 12 points and made three steals off the bench. Chenorhavorian chipped in eight points and four rebounds.
PCC last made it to the regional finals in 1993 when the Lancers won two road playoff games at Cypress and Southwestern before losing at top seed Santa Monica. The Lancers reaching the 22-win plateau is the first time since the 2008-2009 team (22-8) reached that mark. The Lancers are trying to end a 40-year drought by the men's basketball program in making it to the state championship tournament.
In one of eight regional finals in the state, the Lancers again face a momumental task against a San Bernardino Valley, a team that is the IEAC undefeated conference champion and in the midst of a 15-game win streak. SBVC is paced by state scoring leader Dominique Daniels, who averages 26.7 points a game, as the team is second in the state in scoring at 88.9 points per contest.
Admission for Saturday's game is $12 for general admission, $8 for school staff, students (with valid ID), seniors (60 and older), and children (12 and younger). Admission prices for all playoff games are set by the CCCAA to help cover game operation costs.
Parking on the San Bernardino Valley College campus is free, and fans should plan on parking in Lot 8 off of Grant Avenue. The gym is located on the second floor of the athletics complex, to the west of the football stadium.