Prince Abidoye had 17 points and Dee Pinkard added 11 points, including the decisive buzzer-beating runner, as Ventura, ranked No. 15 in the state, outlasted No. 11 Diablo Valley, 71-69, in overtime in the quarterfinals of the San Jose City Classic.

Sophomore Eric Gray chipped in 10 points, including a huge 3-pointer to begin overtime, and Randy Hunter had nine points.

Despite foul trouble to three key starters, Ventura (10-3) advanced to face Alameda (2-7), which also needed overtime Thursday to overcome Monterey Peninsula 66-64, in the semifinals tonight.

Diablo Valley (7-3) was led by 18 points each by Dan Davies and Gary Pinkey.

Ventura won for the ninth straight time besides foul trouble by key starters Benson and Will Faiivae, who combined for only nine points.

"At the same time, that's our motto," said coach Will Cowen. "We have an array of guys that will step up and we're real proud of them. It was a very hostile environment and our guys never quit."