By BEN HANSEN 
Staff Writer
Boys Varsity Basketball lost a home non-league game to Mira Costa by a score of 96-86 on Thursday night, January 5. This game marked the final game in pre-season play for the Trojans as they sit at an overall record of 6-8.
The Trojans kept it close in the first half with an improved performance in the second quarter. UHS matched Mira point for point in the second quarter and went into half-time down 51-45.
Shooting guard Alex Bray (Jr.) led the scoring effort with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Center Ryan Pham (Sr.) shot nine for twelve from the field with 25 points and a big night in the paint with 16 rebounds. Pham also was perfect from the line including two big ones with two minutes remaining.
Point guards Kevin Yahampath (Jr.) and Joe Christensen (Sr.) facilitated the offense and playmaking and led the team with seven assists each.
“I just tried to look for open guys and make plays. We can all do better” Christensen said.
In the fourth quarter, UHS went back and forth with Mira. With just under five minutes remaining, UHS staged a comeback when guard Mitchell Kauker (Sr.) hit back to back three pointers combined with a Ryan Pham layup. With three minutes left in the game, the score was tied 80-80.
After the game, Kauker said, “I took advantage of open looks from beyond the arc and will continue to look for those opportunities.”
The Trojans were unable to take the lead from that point on due to a lack of defense as Mira coasted to victory. UHS will take on Beckman on Friday, January 6 for the first league game of the season.