Hermann rallies in final quarter to get past California

In boys basketball action Saturday

Austin Gump of California takes a jumper over Josh Oetterer of Hermann during Saturday's game at Fleming Fieldhouse.
Austin Gump of California takes a jumper over Josh Oetterer of Hermann during Saturday's game at Fleming Fieldhouse.

Momentum is such a funny thing - you can't tell when it's coming or going. And it doesn't seem funny at all when it's on the other guy's side.

The California Pintos fell victim to a huge momentum swing Saturday and it cost them in a 56-53 loss to Hermann in the Missouri National Guard Shootout at Fleming Fieldhouse.

The Pintos used a 16-4 run bridging the second and third quarters to build a lead, which they held until Hermann used a decisive 18-2 spurt in the fourth to win it.

"When you play with the fear of failure, playing scared to lose, that's how the games turn out," California coach Blair Scanlon said.

Near the end of the first half, Hermann ....