Bishop Diego Boys' Basketball Suffers Overtime Loss in CIF-SS Playoffs

The Cardinals' promising season ends in heartbreak against Rancho Mirage.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Despite a strong regular season, the Bishop Diego boys' basketball team was eliminated from the CIF-SS Division 5 playoffs in the first round after a 54-53 overtime loss to Rancho Mirage. The Cardinals led late in regulation and overtime, but were unable to hold on as Rancho Mirage sophomore Cash Gervin hit a go-ahead three-pointer in the final seconds.

Why it matters

The loss ends Bishop Diego's season on a sour note, but the team is poised to return a solid core of players next year, including standout Rudy Blue, raising hopes for another strong campaign.

The details

Bishop Diego led 48-41 with just over two minutes left in regulation, but Rancho Mirage closed the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to force overtime. In the extra period, Rudy Blue hit a three-pointer to give the Cardinals a 53-51 lead, but they went cold down the stretch and made mistakes that allowed Rancho Mirage to pull out the victory.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • Bishop Diego led 48-41 with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.

The players

Rudy Blue

Will return next season for his senior year.

Damien Krautman

Fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Shane Kiwzera

Star freshman who fouled out in overtime.

Cash Gervin

Rancho Mirage sophomore who hit the game-winning three-pointer.

Syeed Baaree

Rancho Mirage player who led all scorers with 23 points.

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What’s next

The Bishop Diego boys' basketball team will look to build on this season's success and make another playoff run next year with the return of key players like Rudy Blue.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking loss in the playoffs underscores the fine line between success and failure in high school sports, but also highlights the promising future for the Bishop Diego boys' basketball program.