On Friday, Jan. 24, the University High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball team staged a dramatic comeback in the second half of their game against the Portola Bulldogs but fell short in a 59-56 loss.
The Trojans’ game started rough, with Portola’s offense dominating the first quarter. The Trojans struggled to score and missed multiple shot attempts, which the Bulldogs capitalized on. As the first quarter ended, the Trojans were losing 21-5.
“We all started off slow in the first, then picked it up in the second half,” sophomore Graham Pretto said. “We had some key runs . . . with electric energy that allowed us to come back.”
In the second quarter, the Trojans started to make their comeback as they adjusted their offense techniques and tightened their defense. Beginning with a three-pointer with about five minutes left in the quarter, Portola’s lead began to shrink. Despite the Trojans’ momentum, the Bulldogs finished the half with a significant lead.
“The most memorable part of playing basketball was bonding with my teammates on the court and just going out and having fun,” senior Isaac Evans said. “Averaging right about 20 points per game made the season also very memorable.”
The second half saw a total shift in energy, with the student section becoming more lively. The Trojans chipped away at Portola’s lead with precisely calculated plays, setting up a thrilling finish. With under a minute remaining in the last quarter, the Trojans took their first lead of the game, 55-53, after a series of free throws. However, Portola responded quickly, regaining the lead with a score of 57-56 with just 28 seconds left.
“We were down big in the first quarter but fought hard to come back,” Evans said. “Portola was face-guarding me the entire game, so my teammates stepped up big time. It was a tough loss, but I was very happy with how we competed until the end.”
Despite the loss, Senior Night was a memorable experience for the Trojans. After the game, the crowd and families celebrated the seniors, recalling their favorite moments, proudest accomplishments and future aspirations.
