STATE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS : GIRLS’ DIVISION II : Muir Loses Grip and Title, 47-44

Pasadena Muir had its first girls’ State basketball title within its grasp but had it taken away in the game’s final minutes by Danville San Ramon, 47-44, in the Division II championship Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum Arena.

After leading by 10 points in the first half, the Mustangs fell apart in the second half as Natalie Silliman led the Wolves’ charge with 11 points and nine rebounds.

It was Silliman who scored the game’s final three points after Muir standout point guard Rosie Jong, who finished with 18 points, fouled out with 2:14 left.

“Our girls just wanted it more than they did at the end,” San Ramon Coach Gabe Adams said. “Muir had the more talented players, but they just quit out there.”

The Mustangs (29-6) made only seven of 30 shots in the second half as San Ramon (30-5) outscored them, 26-15.

“We just started standing around on offense and they really came out strong in the second half,” Muir Coach Mel Sims. “When we lost Jong it was a totally different ball game.”