LA HABRA—The La Habra Highlanders edged out the Troy Warriors and stopped a late-game comeback in a thrilling Freeway League game at La Habra.

Guard Ben Peppard got the Highlanders going with an offensive rebound and score inside. Jared Reyes responded for Troy with a nifty Euro-step move and layup. The two would continue to trade buckets as Peppard scored another layup and Reyes got a steal and score on a fast-break.

Sophomore guard Josh Yoo, the shortest player on the court, drove inside for a layup plus the foul to put Troy up 12-9. La Habra forward Devin Howlin hit a three pointer to end the first quarter, tying the game at 12-12.

The Highlanders (8-13, 2-3) controlled the boards in the second quarter picking up offensive rebounds and converting put-backs. Center Chris Breen had his way inside, scoring all six of his second quarter points in the paint.

Troy (10-11, 3-2) could not stop the Highlander run as they failed to convert free throws, a pattern that has developed over the last few games for the Warriors.

Zach Varis hit a three pointer from the right wing to put La Habra up 27-20 and the Highlanders led 29-20 at the half.

Howlin started the second half for La Habra with an offensive rebound and score but Troy guard Ty Lassiter scored a layup right back. Troy Coach Aaron Mason called a 30 second timeout as the Warriors prepared to mount a comeback.

The Warriors forced a five second violation on a La Habra inbound and put full court pressure on the Highlanders. Lassiter hit a step back jump shot but Howlin hit one right back. Alec Sinek hit a three pointer to pull the Warriors within three but Noah Desatoff once again responded again for the Highlanders, giving them a 39-33 lead. Lassiter drove inside for a layup but Troy still trailed at the end of the third quarter 36-43.

The Warriors continued their comeback in the fourth quarter as Nick Rubia hit a post up to beat the shot clock and Sinek hit a three off a drive and kick pass by Reyes. Sinek hit another three pointer to give Troy their first lead since the first quarter at 46-45.

With less than two minutes left in the game, Cole Yauney came up with an emphatic rejection on Desatoff, drawing delight from the Troy bench.

Howlin drove in for a layup to give La Habra a 51-50 lead in the final minute of the game. Yoo was fouled on a drive to give Troy a chance to tie or take the lead from the free throw line. The sophomore missed both free throws, but the Warriors didn’t give up hope just yet.

Troy forced a five second violation on La Habra’s inbound, giving them another chance. Lassiter missed the potential game winning shot and La Habra closed the game with free throws to give them a victory.

The Warriors have struggled in close games as of late in losses to Sonora, Buena Park, and La Habra which gone down to the final possessions.

The Warriors (10-12, 3-3) play at Sunny Hills (15-9, 4-2) next Wednesday 2/1 at 7:30 pm.

La Habra (9-13, 3-3) plays at Sonora (21-3, 5-1) Wednesday at 7:30 pm.