San Dieguito Academy boys basketball was filled with emotion Friday, as it marked the final game for this year’s seniors, as the team squared off with crosstown rival La Costa Canyon.

Before tip-off seniors Andrew Naimark, Daniel Chagnon, Devin Gaan, Lucas Oldham, and Seth Frankel were joined by senior girls Janet Lopez and Kim Quach center stage to thank their families and coaches.

After tip-off, it was apparent that both teams were feeding off the atmosphere, as there were numerous plays where neither team could score, turning the ball over play by play. La Costa Canyon found ways to slowly exploit the interior defense of the Mustangs.

The Mustangs’ shooting slump was eventually broken by the younger players on the roster, as the seniors took a greater playmaking role, setting up their teammates and letting the game come to them, as they chipped away at La Costa’s lead, giving them momentum to start the second half.

However, there was still a sizable lead to overcome as they began the third quarter at 16-34, and the Mavericks wouldn’t budge on losing their 18-point lead. The Mustangs didn’t ease up in defeat, despite the point deficit, as Oldham had two steals and nice drives, accompanied by clutch plays from Chagnon and Gaan.

Junior James Bert also gave a burst of energy to the Mustangs with physical play and aggressiveness on both ends of the court. As a result of the energy, Naimark was able to draw fouls, and get to the line to drain a few free throws.

The Mavericks, however, were able to answer the burst of energy, locking down on the defensive end and sending the Mustangs into another shooting slump, while consistently performing in the paint and on the fast break on offense.

The fourth quarter came with a bittersweet tone to it, as the seniors were all subbed back in to finish their last home game. In response to a 20+ point lead, the seniors found their footing and nailed a couple shots, following a corner three from Chagnon and a monstrous block from Oldham.

As the game came to a close, Frankel was able to exploit the tired legs in the paint, scoring in the post and drawing fouls to take him to the line to nail three free throws. Then with seconds left in the game, Chagnon was able to drain a buzzer beating three, to end the game 38-59, Mavericks.

While the Mustangs took a loss on the night, the seniors ended the game fighting and working, never letting up despite the consistency of the Mavericks.