Boys’ basketball: Sun Valley Poly stays unbeaten in East Valley League

There was 7.9 seconds left in the game. Sun Valley Poly was clinging to a one-point lead over Verdugo Hills on Friday night. Francisco Mariscal had two free throws for the Parrots. He missed both.

Suddenly, the Dons had a chance. They got the rebound and Leoni Aleksan had the ball. He knew exactly what to do. He was either going to make the shot or get fouled. He drove the lane, but the shot didn’t go and the referees refused to call a foul. Final score: Poly 49, Verdugo Hills 48. The Parrots (14-11, 7-0) took over sole possession of first place in the East Valley League over the Dons (11-11, 6-1).

Verdugo Hills fans wanted a foul.

“All ball,” is what Poly’s Jose Esqueda said afterward.

He and two teammates were trying to prevent Aleksan from scoring on the final play.

Poly rallied from a 25-20 halftime deficit. Cesar Reyes, who was one of 10 shooting in the first half, finished with 17 points. Mariscal had 16 points. Poly had one three-pointer in the first half but came through with six in the second half.

Adrian Gutierrez scored 17 points for the Dons. Aleksan added 16 points.

Both schools will be in the City Section Division I playoffs.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer