San Joaquin Memorial boys basketball squeaks by to win D-II state championship

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Division-II state championship was the site for the third rematch between San Joaquin Memorial and Bakersfield Christian.

The Panthers defeated the Eagles 46-45 in Sacramento on Saturday to capture their second state championship in school history. It was the first time this season San Joaquin Memorial beat Bakersfield Christian this season.

The Panthers were down two with just under four minutes left in the fourth until senior co-captain Parker Spees dunk tied the game at 44.

Neither team would score until the final minute where senior co-captain Sajjin Sidhu put the panthers ahead with a two-pointer.

San Joaquin Memorial's lead is cut down to one with four seconds to go after Bakersfield Christian missed one of two free throws.

Spees would grab the 50-50 heave to half court to seal the victory for the Panthers.

"The way we lost that quarterfinal playoff game still stung with us. We had to wait two weeks to get our state bid," San Joaquin Memorial head coach Brad Roznovsky said. "I think it's the way we lost, kinda it was on our shoulders a bit but we got it done."

"Speaking of me and Sajjin, before we were freshman that didn't really get playing time in the state run, we were still part of it but it was great to see outselves grow as players," Spees said. "I'm just happy to see the progression. it's always good to go into a college program with two state rings under your belt."

Spees had 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks and now heads to UC Irvine next season.

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