SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : DIVISION III-AA : For Estancia, All Roads Lead to the Title Game

POMONA — Estancia’s basketball team has put in a lot of miles on buses over the past two seasons, counting playoff trips to Lompoc, Paso Robles and, on Tuesday night, to Pomona.

And like last year’s final destination, the road-tested Eagles have again ended up in the Southern Section Division III-AA championship game.

Estancia (26-4) defeated Ganesha, 63-38, Tuesday in a semifinal at Pomona’s Garey High, earning the right to defend its title against Pomona at 11:15 a.m. Saturday at the L.A. Sports Arena. Last year, Estancia beat Servite for the Division III-AA championship.

“The kids knew what they wanted, and they knew what it was going to take to get there,” Estancia Coach Tim O’Brien said.

Tuesday, it was outside shooting, which carried Estancia to a 19-6 first-quarter lead. The Eagles made six of their first 10 three-point attempts en route to shooting 63% (15 for 24) in the first half.

Mike Haas was the leading marksman, making five of seven three-pointers from the corners.

“Psychologically, when you keep knocking it down, you get the feeling that you can’t miss,” said Haas, who led Estancia with 17 points. “And Paul (McDaniels, Estancia’s point guard) kept getting the ball to me when I was open.”

Estancia’s backcourt of McDaniels, who had 16 points and seven assists, and Son Ly (10 points), also did their share of damage. Center Matt Fuerbringer added eight points and 11 rebounds.

When Ganesha (16-12) had the ball, the Eagles harassed with pressure defense, then dared the Giants to shoot them out of their matchup zone.

That resulted in Ganesha shooting only 22% (13 for 58) from the field on the evening.

Guard Anthony Ferguson, who made three three-pointers, led Ganesha with 12 points.

Estancia, the division’s top-ranked team, has outscored its four playoff opponents, 268-171. Lopsided victories have become so commonplace that all 15 Estancia players saw action Tuesday.