SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL PLAYOFF ROUNDUP

In other Division V-AA quarterfinals:

Desert 54, Santa Clara 53--Sidney Melvin had 30 points, including two free throws with 30 seconds remaining, and 10 rebounds to lead the way for the Scorpions (22-4), who rallied to win at Santa Clara.

The Saints held a 53-46 lead with 3:25 to play before Melvin and teammate James Mendrop connected on consecutive three-point shots.

Trailing by one, Melvin, who was 12 of 15 from the free-throw line, hit his final two attempts.

“We needed those big shots to get back in,” said Melvin, who is recovering from influenza.

“On defense, we came out with an aggressive zone in the second half.”

Santa Clara (15-11), which upset No. 1-seeded Verbum Dei on Tuesday, turned a six-point first-quarter deficit into a 31-28 halftime lead.

Alex Minney had 15 points and Albert Soria and Tim Lajoir each scored 10 for the Saints.

“Our zone was able to put pressure on their shooting,” Desert Coach Phil Pleasant said. “Our [team] played a great game in the second half, and it was a shame someone had to lose this game.”