Best Coast Basketball Stuns No. 3 Seed Venice Beach, Advances to Real Run Semifinals
CARSON, CA - The Cinderella run continues for Best Coast Basketball.
One night after making a statement with a playoff victory over No. 6 seed Sacred Bounce, the No. 7 seed carried that momentum into Thursday’s quarterfinals and knocked off No. 3 seed Venice Beach, 60-51, to advance to the Real Run Men’s Summer League semifinals.
This wasn’t just another upset.
Venice Beach entered the postseason as the No. 3 seed and the defending 2025 Real Run champions. Best Coast has now eliminated one of the tournament favorites while continuing its run without floor general Snookey Wigington (CSU Bakersfield transfer), who is expected to return to the lineup Saturday.
Venice Beach came out looking like the defending champs early, taking an 18-15 lead after the first quarter. Best Coast responded in the second, using its defense and transition game to flip the momentum and take a 31-28 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter was where Best Coast took control.
Best Coast Takes Over After Halftime
Best Coast opened the second half with increased defensive pressure and began turning stops into easy opportunities on the other end.
Seven Bahati (Utah State Eastern) continued to make plays as both a scorer and facilitator, while Jael Martin (CSU Northridge) provided a major presence around the rim. Martin knocked down a three and followed it with a transition layup during a key stretch that pushed Best Coast's lead to double digits.
Best Coast ultimately outscored Venice Beach 23-12 in the third quarter, turning a three-point halftime advantage into a commanding 54-40 lead heading into the fourth.
The defending champions weren't finished.
Venice Beach made one final push behind Moustapha Salekh (ELAC), cutting the deficit all the way down to 56-51 with just over three minutes remaining.
Best Coast answered.
Dillan Shaw (Arizona State transfer) knocked down two clutch free throws, and Martin eventually put the finishing touches on the upset with a second-chance basket with 50 seconds remaining.
Final: Best Coast Basketball 60, Venice Beach 51.
Standout Performers
Seven Bahati led a balanced Best Coast attack with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, shooting an efficient 8-of-11 from the field. Bahati's ability to score while creating opportunities for teammates was a major factor in Best Coast's offense.
Jael Martin delivered an excellent two-way performance with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks while shooting 6-of-7 from the field. His length, rim protection and activity on the glass gave Venice Beach problems throughout the game.
Jeremiyah Smith (UT Arlington transfer) was another difference-maker, finishing with 9 points, 13 rebounds and 3 steals. His work on the glass helped Best Coast control possessions and get out in transition.
For Venice Beach, Jaden Peters led the defending champions with 17 points and 7 rebounds, including 15 points in the first half. Moustapha Salekh added 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Solo Bailey scored 10 points.
Scouting Notes
Best Coast continues to show why seeding doesn't always tell the full story.
Bahati's versatility stands out. He can score efficiently without dominating the basketball and has the vision to punish defenses when they send help. Martin provides Best Coast with an athletic interior presence who can protect the rim, rebound and finish efficiently, while Smith's 13-rebound effort showed the type of physicality Best Coast will need as the competition gets tougher.
For Venice Beach, Peters showed impressive perimeter shot-making and the ability to create his own offense. Salekh also flashed his versatility during the second-half comeback, impacting the game as a scorer and rebounder.
The biggest takeaway, however, continues to be Best Coast's collective effort. They are playing with energy defensively, attacking the glass and getting contributions from throughout the rotation.
And they're doing it without their floor general.
What's Next: No. 7 Best Coast vs. No. 2 Team Carson
Best Coast Basketball entered the postseason as the No. 7 seed.
They've now knocked out Sacred Bounce and the No. 3 seed and defending 2025 Real Run champion Venice Beach.
Next comes their biggest test yet.
Best Coast will face Team Carson - the Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball team - in Saturday's semifinal, with a spot in the Real Run championship game on the line.
And Best Coast could be getting reinforcements at exactly the right time.
Snookey Wigington is expected to make his return to the lineup Saturday, giving Best Coast back its floor general as the No. 7 seed attempts to continue one of the tournament's most impressive playoff runs.
Two playoff wins down.
The defending champions are out.
Now Best Coast is one win away from the championship game.