Photo Credit: Dave Stoft

Miles Weiss shoots while Ian Proulx watches for the rebound and 6th Man cheers on the dynamic duo.

Coming off a disappointing loss to Paly in a nonleague game last week, M-A was hungry for success on Wednesday at the PAL Bay Division league opener.

Unfortunately for the Bears, the visiting Half Moon Bay Cougars snagged an early lead, and M-A trailed 12-14 as the buzzer rang signaling the end of the first quarter.

Half Moon Bay kept a steady lead as the second quarter began, scoring five points within the first two minutes. Ian Proulx made a key interception, only to have the Cougars regain possession and immediately take it to the basket, giving them a nine-point lead over the Bears.

With 30 seconds left in the first half, senior Dominic Tully laid it up beautifully, bringing the score to 18-28.

M-A came out in the second half with conviction, with senior standout Miles Weiss scoring seconds after the clock started running. The Cougars regained control of the ball and kept the Bears in a tight defensive battle, until an impressive steal and basket from Weiss swung the momentum in favor of the Bears. An outstanding three-pointer from Proulx with seconds left in the third quarter sparked excitement in the crowd, and the 6th Man Club went wild.

With key free throws from Weiss and Proulx, the Bears tied up the game at 34 with five minutes left on the clock. Each team continued to score three baskets apiece, with suspense elevating among the supporters. But M-A trailed behind by one point, and a lucky shot from Half Moon Bay put the team ahead for their ultimate 45-42 victory over the Bears.

The Bears, who went 7-6 in the preseason, look to redeem themselves in their next game at home tomorrow against South San Francisco.