The California Pintos opened the 2011-12 basketball season with a 55-42 win against St. Elizabeth Nov. 29 in first-round action of the Eugene Invitational. Top-seeded California then went on to lose 67-52 to #4 seed Eugene in semifinals Thursday, followed by a 59-55 to #2 seeded Eldon in the contest for third place Saturday.
Regarding the win against St. Elizabeth, California Coach Blair Scanlon said, "Though we came out very sharp and got a great start to the game, we had too many defensive lapses in the second quarter, which gave them opportunities for great looks from the outside. In the end, we finished up and found a way to win the game. First games are really tough because you are feeling your way out as a group. St. Elizabeth is not a typical 8th seed either. They have a proud basketball tradition and play year round."
For more of this story check out the Dec. 7 issue of the California Democrat.