With Game on the Line, Harbor Is Able to Hold Off Cerro Coso : Basketball: Seahawks make four free throws in the final seconds to win Southern California Athletic Conference opener, 91-84.

Despite giving up one big lead and almost losing a second one, the Harbor College men’s basketball team won its Southern California Athletic Conference opener against visiting Cerro Coso College, 91-84, on Wednesday.

Harbor gave up a 13-point lead in the first half and came close to losing a 17-point lead midway through the second half.

“That’s been our Achilles’ tendon all year long,” Harbor Coach Carl Strong said. “We turn the ball over on unforced errors. I don’t understand it.”

Harbor went into the game with an 0-4 record against Cerro Coso. The Seahawks improved to 13-8 and Cerro Coso fell to 9-8.

“This was a big game for us,” Strong said. “At spots we really did look good. But it was an ugly win.”

Harbor went on a 10-0 run in the opening minutes and the Seahawks held a 33-20 lead after guard Eric Carpenter made 13 consecutive points.

The sophomore from Serra High started the streak with two free throws, then made a three-point shot, a layup and back-to-back three-point baskets. Carpenter made 16 of his game-high 31 points in the first half.

But Harbor’s offense slowed and Cerro Coso went on a 15-2 run to tie the score, 35-35, with 4:51 left in the first half. Harbor held a 42-39 halftime lead.

The Seahawks led throughout the second half, and a 15-3 run gave them a 70-53 lead with 9:48 left to play.

But Cerro Coso refused to quit. With 1:40 left it trailed, 85-80, after a Chris Farrell free throw.

The Seahawks secured the victory by making four free throws in the final seconds, two by Carpenter and two by Jemoine Brantley.

“I think we ran out of gas a little toward the end,” Strong said.”

Kent Bennett had 21 points for Harbor, and Jerry Allen and Bassirou Nian added 12 each. Cerro Coso was led by Lamont Parrish, who scored 26.