IRVINE — Portola boys basketball coach Brian Smith was eager to see how his team performed in front of a lively crowd in an opponent’s gym.
The Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders and were active on the defensive end en route to a 69-44 win over Irvine on Friday night at Irvine High.
“They were defending league champions (last season),” Smith said. “Obviously they have a different team this year than what they had last year, but they are still a well-coached, well-disciplined team. We’ve been playing really well the last few games so coming here was our first true road test for us in league play. I think our guys put a good four quarters together.”
“We talk about protecting our home (court) during league,” Smith continued. “But now, if we can steal some on the road, that helps.”
Portola (14-5, 2-0) was led by sophomore guard Steve Yang, who scored a game-high 25 points.
Yang connected on three 3-pointers in the first half that helped build a 35-17 advantage at halftime.
“He just goes out and plays the game,” Smith said of Yang. “He doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low, and he can finish downhill. He’s got good body control but he’s still learning, though. That’s what makes him good.”
“I love that he’s only a sophomore,” Smith added. “I get a couple more years with him.”
The Bulldogs also got important contributions from seniors Lucas Ip (10 points) and Max Paulsen (9 points and 9 rebounds).
“Lucas and Max are returning guys from last year, both seniors, and they both bring a lot of leadership out there,” Smith said. “Lucas brought a lot of intensity today, which is good. And he’s been through some stuff in our program where we had some lows, so he’s enjoying this now. And he’s a big part of our turnaround.
“We’re proud of both of them. Max is a guy that rebounds for us and knocks down some shots. He’s been leading our team in scoring for most of the year.”
The top scorers for the Vaqueros (10-10, 1-1) were two players who came off the bench, Francisco Martinez (13 points) and Sina Saferzadeh.
Portola’s swarming defensive intensity was a factor as it held the Vaqueros’ starting five to just 15 points combined.
“That’s kind of been our identity,” Smith said. “Early on in the season, we weren’t playing as hard that way, and then we kind of started amping up the pressure. I think we set the tone with that in the first quarter.”
The Bulldogs will continue league play Tuesday as they host Woodbridge.