The Tigers (7-4) led by nine points at the break, but a strong surge after halftime -- spearheaded by Michael Meserole's 21 second-half points -- propelled Liberty Ranch into the tournament's championship game.
In the first quarter, Patterson went on a tear hitting four 3-pointers, including three straight from Justin Rodriguez (15 points). The Tigers led by as many as nine in the opening period, but Liberty Ranch ended the first with a 7-2 run that closed the gap to 24-20.
Matt Hagen opened the second quarter with a 3-pointer to get Liberty Ranch within one. But Keegan Sanchez (13 points) netted six second-quarter points, sparking a 12-6 run to close the half, that increased the Patterson lead to 38-29.
The Tigers led 49-38 midway through the third quarter, before Meserole (31 points, 10 rebounds) and Liberty Ranch caught fire. The visitors outscored Patterson 35-16 over the final 12 minutes, finishing the contest with a 12-5 push.
Michael Smith scored 13 points with six assists, Cariaun Williams had 11 points and Skylar Job collected nine points and blocked four shots for Patterson. Tiger Jordan Levu added a game-high 14 rebounds.
Liberty Ranch (9-3) will continue the Holiday Classic today, Dec. 22 as they face Valley High of Sacramento at 6:30 p.m.
The Tigers play Beyer High of Modesto today at 2:30 p.m.
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