Menlo, University to meet again

For two ranked teams with a combined record of 39-2 and a combined 21-game win streak — neither has lost in 2018 — there is the matter of memory.

Menlo School-Atherton ended the season of University in the second round of the Northern California Division IV playoffs last year at Kezar Pavilion, 63-35.

The two small-school state powers face off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Menlo.

“Oh yes, yes, yes, we remember (that season-ending loss) very well,” University coach Randy Bessolo said. “They thumped us real good.”

But Menlo remembers a 74-70 nonleague loss at University around this time last season. When the teams met in the playoffs, the Red Devils were down a couple of starters because of injuries, but Bessolo still isn’t making excuses.

“I guess this is sort of the rubber match,” he said.

Both teams are peaking, especially No. 11 University (21-1), which has won nine straight since a 58-48 loss to Serra in the Bambauer Tournament at Marin Catholic-Kentfield. The Red Devils have won by an average margin of 21.1 during their streak, including a 77-43 win over Lick-Wilmerding (18-4).

University, which averages 71.5 points per game, has utilized great length and balance to beat up opponents. Spencer Spivy leads the way, averaging 20 points per game, but Max Fried, Julian Maniyka and Charley Moore all average around 12. All stand 6 feet, 4 inches.

With a couple of 6-7 starters, No. 4 Menlo (18-1) offers even more length down low, but what concerns Bessolo most is the Knights’ defense.

“They’re a great defensive team, but they get out and score, too,” he said. “We’re playing well, but this is a real good test to simulate what it’s going to be like on the road in the playoffs. Given what they did to us at the end of last year, we certainly feel like the underdog.

“These are two great academic schools with long athletic histories, so it’s a natural rivalry. It is a great matchup.”

FRIDAY’S GAMES

#1 Salesian-Richmond 80, El Cerrito 37: Connecticut signee James Akinjo had 20 points and Josh Jefferson added 12 for the host Pride (23-1), who had a 77-33 lead after three quarters. Jacob Smith had 14 points for El Cerrito (9-15). #3 Bellarmine 81, Valley Christian 69: Kendall Stubblefield and Connor Despie had 21 points apiece and Jake Wojcik added 17 as the host Bells (17-3, 9-1 West Catholic Athletic League) defeated the Warriors (11-9, 2-8). #10 St. Francis 81, Mitty 62: Logan Johnson led a balanced scoring attack with 17 points as the host Lancers (16-4, 8-2 WCAL) stopped the Monarchs (7-13, 5-5). Mitty, which got 19 points from Devan Sapp, started 0-4 in league but had won five straight. #15 St. Ignatius 68, #20 Serra 40: Brandon Beckman had 13 points and Teddy Snyder added 12 for the host Wildcats (13-7, 6-4 WCAL). Back-toback three-pointers by Benjamin Syufy put St. Ignatius up 32-13 in the second quarter. Colin McCarthy had 12 points and Denzel McCollum added 11 for the Padres (12-8, 4-6). #17 Riordan 86, Sacred Heart Cathedral 80: On a moving night at Riordan, where the Crusaders honored the late Kevin Restani at halftime, both teams played at the top of their games before the home team pulled out an overtime win. Je’Lani Clark scored 26 points and Watidaishe Mukukula hit a three-pointer at the buzzer at the end of regulation to force overtime for Riordan (12-8, 3-7 WCAL), which snapped a six-game losing streak. Emmett Neal had 24 points, Bryce Monroe added 18 points, and Amin Ogelsby had 13 points and 13 rebounds for Sacred Heart Cathedral (12-8, 3-7). Former NBA and USF great Bill Cartwright and San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell were among the dignitaries on hand to honor Restani, a 1970 Riordan graduate who played eight seasons in the NBA. The refurbished gym’s new parquet floor is named Restani Court. Moreau Catholic-Hayward 91, Kennedy-Fremont 31: Max Anderson led five Mariners in double figures with 13 points as Moreau Catholic (16-5, 9-1 Mission Valley Athletic League) rolled past the Titans (0-23, 0-10). Glenn Byrd added 11 points for the winners. Campolindo-Moraga 62, AcalanesLafayette 58: Carter Mahaney scored 21 points and David Ahazie added 15 as the host Cougars (16-6, 4-2 Diablo Athletic League) held off a late Acalanes rally. Robbie Rowell's 17 points led the Dons (13-9, 1-5). MaxPreps national writer Mitch Stephens covers high school sports for the San Francisco Chronicle.