Hamburger Mary’s was hoping to upset undefeated Pomegranate, but simply did not have enough at the end of the game to pull out the victory in a close 57-55 loss on Nov. 16.

Both San Diego Hoops teams worked hard in the first half to create defensive and offensive opportunities. Free throws proved to be a critical factor throughout the game as Pomegranate’s Jason Farr shot perfectly from the line. Todd Kerr added some key rebounds to help Pomegranate maintain a slim 24-19 lead at the half.

In the second half, Pomegranate started an offensive run and built a 12-point lead with eight minutes left in the game. Kerr and Pomegranate coach/captain Rick Kilgore went down with recurring injuries, giving Hamburger Mary’s the opportunity to get back in the game. They started to connect with some 3-pointers to close the deficit, but it wasn’t enough. Farr’s and Leo Valenzuela’s scoring combined with Hamburger Mary’s foul trouble made it difficult for Mary’s to take over, and Pomegranate held on for the win.

“We fought hard to win that game. Our defense played well against their high scoring team,” Kilgore said. Brian Jackson rebounded well and mixed it up well on defense, he added.

Mike Barrow led Hamburger Mary’s with 17 points, while Farr scored 20 points for Pomegranate.

Pomegranate improved to 4-0 with the win, while Hamburger Mary’s fell to 2-2.

In the second game, The Loft was poised to upset a very talented Morgan Stanley team, considered by many to be the best team in the league. Morgan Stanley was missing Danny Player, and had only five players available. Coach/captain Paul Demke and player Robert Simmons worked extra hard to make sure The Loft never got into rhythm.

“The difference in the game was our team defense…. The game wasn’t maybe fun to watch as a spectator, but I considered it a defensive gem,” said Demke, who added Ray Robinson was the key to the victory because he was able to contain The Loft’s 6’ 8” Chad Hermandorfer (13 points) from scoring too many baskets.

Demke, who scored 23 points in the game, went on a scoring rampage during the first half of the game, collecting 15 of Morgan Stanley’s 25 first-half points.

Morgan Stanley’s aggressiveness continued in the second half, where Demke and Simmons scored all of Morgan Stanley’s second-half points.

The Loft fell to 1-3 overall and Morgan Stanley improved to 4-0.

It was all about defense for Colorworks Painting in their 52-38 win over AAA Mortgage in the third game of the evening.

Colorworks came out to play and was able to maintain strong defense throughout to capture the win, and AAA never got off the ground. Colorworks shut down S.D. Hoops scoring leader Larry Granville, keeping him completely off rhythm. Colorworks’ Brandon Patchett, David Matta and Tom Nagashima all helped the team build a 26-17 halftime advantage.

AAA’s Robert Wiggins made a dent with his team-leading 15 points, but both Patchett and Matta matched with 16 each of their own to keep AAA from catching up.

“Our match-ups on defense were perfect. Everyone played their man smart and tight … and we never lost our focus,” said Colorworks coach/captain Jose Cruz.

Cruz said Colorworks grabbed a tremendous number of defensive rebounds, significantly cut down on turnovers and shot well from the outside.

AAA and Colorworks each have 2-2 records.

The last game of the evening was a battle of the winless. 2200 Club was able to slip past Pecs 47-44 to earn its first win of the season.

2200 Club showed they could play as a team by taking a 13-9 lead at the half. In the early part of the second half, 2200 Club built a comfortable 12-point lead, but then Pecs’ Dan Newbold stepped it up, taking over the game and bringing Pecs within 2 points with 30 seconds left in the game. Justin Dorr added two clutch free-throws with six seconds left to assure the win for 2200 Club.

Newbold led Pecs with 18 points while Sergio Villegas led 2200 Club with 13. Pecs’ record fell to 0-4, while 2200 Club improved to 1-3.