TUSTIN – Tustin point guard T.J. Shorts scored a team-high 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Tillers to a 57-47 victory over Brea Olinda in Friday’s nonleague game at Tustin High.
Shorts was able to get to the rim with eases and led the way for the Tillers (2-0) on both ends of the floor, collecting four steals on the night and pressuring the Wildcats (0-1) constantly on the perimeter.
“He’s obviously a big catalyst for our team on the offensive and defensive end,” Tustin coach Ringo Bossenmeyer said. “We’re looking for big things night in and night out from him, and he understands the responsibility of that.”
After taking a 25-22 lead into the half, the Tillers appeared to gain control of the game by outscoring the Wildcats, 19-12, in the third quarter. Poor shot selection and careless turnovers allowed Brea Olinda to trim the lead to just three points with two minutes remaining before Tustin clamped down on defense and pulled away by knocking down free throws.
“Obviously we’re trying to pressure them and trying to play up-tempo to get T.J. in the open floor,” Bossenmeyer said. “We did it good in spurts, but it’s early in the season. We made some plays that were not high basketball IQ that let them back in the game. Once they were back in it, they fought and clawed and stayed right there.”
The Tillers shot 11 for 12 from the free throw line in the second half to maintain their lead.
Colin Greenwood scored 15 points, while Jude Privatsky and Nathan Del Rio each had 12 for the Wildcats.
Despite the miscues that allowed Brea Olinda back in the game, Bossenmeyer counts Friday’s close victory as a learning experience for his team.
“We’re an experienced team for the most part, so being in close games is a situation they should be comfortable with,” Bossenmeyer said. “Any early, tight-game situation helps you win in January and February—that’s the hope.”
Both Tustin and Brea Olinda will play next at the Corona del Mar Beach Bash, which starts on Monday.
