SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : DIVISION III-AA BOYS’ ROUNDUP

Western 56, Crespi 54--Western sank its pressure free throws and they made all the difference in the Pioneers’ victory at Crespi.

Western (18-7), which missed four free throws in the final minute of regulation in a first-round overtime victory over Bellflower, made 13 of 15 in the fourth quarter against Crespi (15-9), including two by junior forward Jason Etter with 17 seconds to play. The free throws gave the Pioneers a four-point lead and clinched the victory for the Orange League tri-champions.

Western will meet Compton Centennial in the quarterfinals Friday.

Etter led Western with 15 points. Guard Frank Floyd added 14 points and sophomore guard Neil Hensley had 11, including six of seven free throws in the fourth quarter.