Basketball Recap: Mauro Farinelli's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Liberty over Santa Maria

Liberty and Santa Maria squared off in some playoff action on Saturday, but Liberty had to settle for second. They took a 72-58 bruising from the Santa Maria Saints. The Hawks have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Mauro Farinelli

Rebounds

02/15/25 @ Santa Maria	8
02/11/25 @ Sierra	9
02/07/25 vs Fowler	8

Liberty lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Mauro Farinelli, who posted eight points and eight boards. He is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in each of the last three games he's played. Titus Johnson was another key player, almost dropping a double-double with 11 points and nine boards.

Even though they lost, Liberty smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in six consecutive contests.

Santa Maria's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Julius Medina, who scored 17 points and six steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Johnathan Lupercio, who earned 27 points.

Liberty's record is now 14-14. As for Santa Maria, their win bumped their record up to 21-8.

Liberty does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Santa Maria, they didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 70-69 victory against Kerman on the 19th.