Live score updates: Oakland Tech defeats Centennial in California boys basketball championship

After back-to-back losses in the state D1 state finals 21 years ago, the Bulldogs get it right behind 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists by ArDarius Grayson in D2 triumph.

SACRAMENTO — Somewhere Leon Powe is smiling. 

The former Oakland Tech, Cal and NBA standout lost in back-to-back CIF Division 1 championships to Westchester in 2002 and 2003. 

On Saturday, Tech did Powe, Marshawn Lynch and the purple and gold proud by winning its first state basketball championship with a 77-55 Division 2 victory over Centennial-Bakersfield behind 20 points each from Caleb Rollins and ArDarius Grayson and 16 by Ahmed Gulaid. 

Grayson, a high-flying 6-foot junior guard and Player of the Year in the Oakland Athletic League, also had 12 rebounds and seven assists. 

ArDarius Grayson (0) on his way to the rim while being hounded by Jaxton Santiago.  / Photo: Dennis Lee

The victory was No. 30 on the season for the Bulldogs against five losses. Rippen Gill had 22 points and Donquavius Bolton added 12 for Centennial (28-8), which made just 20 of 66 shots, including 3-for-20 on 3-pointers. 

It's been a strong run for the six-team OAL, where Tech reigns. The league has won six state crowns over the last four seasons, including a girls D5 championship on Friday won by Oakland — 55-50 over Montgomery. 

Karega Hart, in his 14th-year as head coach and a a Tech alum, was ecstatic in a postgame news confererence. 

"We take pride in being Bulldogs and being from Tech," he said. "But most of all we take pride in being from the city of Oakland.”

Photos: California (CIF) Division 2 state boys basketball championship

This game was up and down as the teams combined for 128 shots and 86 rebounds, 12 grabbed by Tech's 6-7 junior Xan Meyer-Plettner, who added nine points and three blocks. The teams combined for 37 turnovers. 

Centennial was in the game until a 26-14 run by the Bulldogs in the third quarter put them in control. 

Last season, the Oakland boys won the state D3 title after beating Tech in the regional final. This season, Tech turned the tide and knocked off Oakland in the regional final, its fourth win over the Bulldogs this season. 

“We’ve had a lot of rough times in Oakland," Hart said. "To be able to celebrate and shine a positive light means everything.” 

The Bulldogs rejoice their first state title.  / Photo: Dennis Lee

PREGAME

The 2024 California (CIF) boys and girls high school basketball state championships have arrived. All 12 state championship games will be played at Golden 1 Center, the home of the Sacramento Kings.

The CIF State championship games continue Saturday at 4 p.m. with the Division 2 boys basketball matchup between Centennial and Oakland Tech. 

CIF State Championship boys and girls basketball previews

You can follow live updates of Centennial vs. Oakland Tech on SBLive, including real-time score updates, game highlights and much more. You can also watch the game live on the NFHS Network.

• CIF STATE GIRLS SCOREBOARD | CIF STATE BOYS SCOREBOARD

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4TH QUARTER

Oakland Tech 77, Centennial 52 (1:38): Tech gonna win first. Both teams empited bench. Tech backers with standing ovation. 

3RD QUARTER

Oakland Tech 59, Centennial 41 (end of 3): The Bulldogs explode for 26 points in 3Q to take complete control. Rollins is up to 19 points, Grayson 14 and Gulaid 11. 

Oakland Tech 44, Centennial 29 (4:00): Gulaid (11 points) comes off bench, help leads to 11-0 run to start the second half. Rollins (11) and Grayson (10) also in double digits. Bolton ends run with tough interior bucket. 

2ND QUARTER

Oakland Tech 33, Centennial 27 (halftime): Neither team is shooting the ball well, Centennial at 27 percent (10 of 36) and Tech at 38 percent (13 of 34). Tech holds a 27-23 edge on the boards and both teams are taking care of the ball. Donquavius Bolton and Rippen Gill have 10 points each for the Golden Eagles, while Caleb Rollins is pacing Tech with 11 points. 

Oakland Tech 25, Centennial 21 (3:43): Gill (10 points) keeping Centennial close while the Bulldogs have a combined 15 from Grayson and Rollins. 

1ST QUARTER

Oakland Tech 11, Centennial 7: ArDariius Grayson with another spectacular hoop draws loudest 'ooo' of the day. Finishes off 9-0 run. 

Centennial 7, Oakland Tech 2: Six quick points from Rippen Gill gives Golden Hawks early lead. Timeout Tech. 

HOW TO WATCH CIF STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

Can't make it to a game but still want to watch your favorite team play live? You can watch the CIF State high school basketball championship games live on the NFHS Network:

WATCH LIVE ON NFHS NETWORK

To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app:

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