TUSTIN - Beckman couldn't get much going offensively in the first half in a Pacific Coast League game against University on Friday night at Tustin High.

After trailing by six at halftime, the Patriots scored 37 points and defeated the Trojans, 37-29, to keep their CIF playoff hopes alive.

Beckman (6-3, 1-2) needs to defeat Corona del Mar next week to have a shot of advancing.

University (4-5, 0-3) needed a victory to stay alive in the playoff chase.

"We made mistakes tonight, but the guys never quit," Beckman coach Fred Shambaugh said.

Keith Lawson led the way, rushing for 138 yards on 10 carries. Quarterback Rhett Bender completed 10 of 14 passes for 133 yards.

Bender hit Trevor Lowe  on touchdown passes of 29 and 51 yards in the fourth quarter.

"We stuck with it, and we did a little more passing in the second half," Bender said. "Our offensive coordinator did a good job calling plays and we just executed."

University was led by quarterback Elliott Martin, who completed 20 of 35 passes for 308 yards and two TDs. Bronson Taylor had 12 catches for 234 yards.

Beckman led, 34-15, with 7:44 left on a 5-yard TD run by Cody Demavivas.

University cut the lead to 34-29 on Martin's 31-yard TD pass to Trumaine Smith with 5:34 left. It made it 37-29 on Mike Schmidt's 30-yard field goal.

"I liked the way we battled back," University coach Mark Cunningham said.

Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com