Luther Emerges to Help Katella Hold Off Century Rally, 68-64

Light-scoring junior guard Ryan Luther made six of eight free throws in the final minute and a half of play to help host Katella beat Century, 68-64, in Empire League basketball Friday night.

Katella jumped out to a 30-12 second-quarter lead, but the team’s top two scorers got into foul trouble and that gave Century a chance to rally. Katella guard Joe Barraza scored 14 first-half points, but he fouled out with just 1 minute 40 seconds into the third quarter.

Center Kenny Moreno, who finished with 26 points and nine rebounds, tried to pick up the slack, but he fouled out with with 1:32 remaining. By that time Century had cut the Knights’ led to 61-57.

But Luther, who finished with 14 points, two short of his career high, went to the line four times after that. Matt Tisthammer tossed in one of two free throws with 11 seconds remaining for a 67-64 lead, then Luther iced the game by making the second end of a double bonus attempt with two seconds remaining. Luther averages seven points.

“I just wanted to step up and finally do something with our two big guys out of the game,” Luther said. “My role is usually to set up scoring opportunities for those guys.

Terrall Zoller helped Century rally by scoring 14 of his team-high 22 points in the second half.

The victory keeps Katella (16-4, 4-1) in a first place tie with Cypress (13-7, 4-1) in the Empire League. Cypress defeated Loara, 45-43, Friday night. Century, which has lost two straight, fell to 12-9, 3-2.