GIRLS’ BASKETBALL SOUTHERN REGIONAL FINAL

Brea Olinda 64, Fresno Edison 52--Using a combination of inside play and perimeter shooting it lacked in three previous Southern California Regional finals, Brea Olinda advanced to the state title game for a record seventh time after a three-year absence.

The Ladycats’ victory at Pauley Pavilion gives them the right to play Friday in Sacramento for the state Division II girls’ basketball title. They will play Shasta, which beat Fair Oaks Del Campo, 51-49.

Since winning a record four consecutive state championships and five in six years, Brea has been beaten by the last three state champions in the regional finals, shooting only 31% from the field in the process.

Saturday, Brea shot 47.3%, built a 19-point lead, and held off a rally that cut the margin to four points, 54-50, with 2 minutes 7 seconds left in the game.

“We played stylish basketball the last two minutes,” said Brea Coach Jeff Sink.

Point guard Lindsey Davidson’s return at point guard was the difference. She sat out 7:46 of the second half with four fouls, and Brea played tentatively without her, making only two field goals in her absence.

Davidson finished with 12 points, complementing sophomore Chelsea Trotter (26 points, 11 rebounds) and Erin Kelly (19 points, 4 steals).