Boys’ basketball: Santa Monica gets by Royal, 60-56

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Jordan Mathews scored only 12 points and fouled out with 1:54 left, but Santa Monica scored the last four points to escape with a 60-56 victory over Royal and advance to the championship game of the Oaks Christian tournament.

Chris Smith led the Vikings (11-3) with 13 points, including a layup to give Santa Monica a 59-56 lead with 27 seconds remaining. Max McCoy scored 19 points for the Highlanders (11-3), who led 40-34 at halftime.

Santa Monica will face Corona Centennial in the championship game Saturday night.

-- Steve Galluzzo