Senior Daniel Emein and sophomore Nick Kerkorian’s stellar performances helped Pali’s boys basketball team hand visiting University High its first loss of the season, 73-59, on Jan. 9.

Emein ended with 21 points and Kerkorian with 19, respectively, as Pali opened Western League play with a convincing victory.

The victory completed a sweep for the Dolphins, as the frosh/soph and junior varsity teams also picked up wins.

Despite having an incredible individual performance, Kerkorian stressed that the victory was a team effort.

“We did a good job of executing the game plan, especially defensively,” the sophomore point guard said. “We got back on defense to limit their transition scoring and took away the drive to the middle, forcing them to shoot contested jumpers.”

Kerkorian added: “The main reason I had 19 points was because we did a really good job running the offense. My teammates moved the ball really well and were able to get me good looks at the basket. They were also shooting the ball very well from outside, and that opened up more driving lanes for everyone.”

Emein echoed a similar message, saying that his teammates played a strong role in his own performance.

“My teammates were everything,” he said. “If I didn’t get an offensive rebound and score, it [the points] was coming off an extra pass from Zack Lynch or Chris Kurihara to get me an open shot.”

When asked if he felt every shot he took was going to go in, Emein said, “Well, with the support from my teammates and the crowd, I did feel confident in my shot and just let them fly. Since it was a very close game, I knew I had to hustle and make some plays for us to pull out a win against undefeated Uni.”

The victory moved the Dolphins a small step closer toward their goal. “Every single person on our team wants to put a banner up in the gym and win the City Section playoffs,” he said. “We want a ring on our fingers.”