Spencer In Right Position for Troy

LA HABRA — Sarah Spencer’s put back with 53 seconds left in the game led Troy to a 56-52 victory over Bellflower in the Southern Section Division II-AA girls’ basketball semifinals Saturday night at La Habra High.

Spencer, who scored 13, followed up on Veronica Johns’ miss to break a 52-52 tie.

The Bucs had an opportunity to tie the score with 27 seconds left but Tiffany Amete missed the first of a one-and-one situation. Troy also missed a free throw with 19 seconds left.

Bellflower’s Chaunita Smith, who led all scorers with 32 points, missed a shot with nine seconds left and Spencer got the rebound.

She made two free throws with seven seconds left to clinch the victory.

Smith dominated the first half by scoring 25 points as the Bucs took a 33-26 lead.

Heidi Hardeman (24 points), limited to two points in the first half, took control in the second half, scoring nine of Troy’s 11 third-quarter points and 11 in the final quarter.

“We just didn’t react in the first half,” Troy Coach Kevin Kiernan said.

“I told them to keep within seven and we should be able to make a run at them in the fourth quarter.”

Down, 48-41, with five minutes left, Troy made its move.

Hardeman’s third three-point basket and two baskets by Johns tied the score with 3:05 left.

Smith scored two baskets and Hardeman hit a basket and two free throws to maintain the tie with 1:29 left.

The victory moves Troy into the championship contest at the Pyramid next week against Brea Olinda.