Playing in front of a packed Gunn gym, Palo Alto managed to pull off a stunning last minute victory, 52-46, to sweep the two-game season series.

"I think every one of our games should just start with two minutes," said Palo Alto head coach Peter Diepenbrock, referring to Paly's 65-64 win on Jan. 14.

The difference in that game was a pair of late free throws by the Vikings Jon Whetstone. So it was no surprise that he would have some say in the outcome of yesterday's game as well.

With the clock closing on two minutes left in the game, the Titans' Jon Law seemed to deal the Vikings a staggering blow when he stole a lazy lateral pass at halfcourt and took the ball in for an easy layup to make it 46-42.

The Vikings came back in a flurry with Tak Abe putting up a basket, followed by Nik Ajagu's tying score, making it 46-46 with 51 second left.

The Titans could not control an offensive rebound on their possession, when Whetstone came down with it and was fouled.

He missed the one-and-one free throw, but the Titans made a critical error in tipping the ball out of bounds and back into the hands of the Vikings.

With 24 seconds left, Ajagu scored the basket to put the Vikes ahead. Then Whetstone stole a pass, which would lead to a Cliff Andersen basket.

"I knew they would come around on a screen and I just went for it," said Whetstone.

Whetstone finished the scoring for the Vikings with two free throws.

"It feels good to have won," said Ajagu. "I'm really impressed with Jon. He can play with the big boys."

The last few minutes were just a reflection of how the entire game was being played by both Gunn (6-5 Santa Clara Vally Athletic League, 12-12 overall) and Palo Alto (9-2 league, 15-9 overall).

The two teams tied 18-18 at the half and again pulled even 34-34 at the end of the third quarter.

"We knew it would be a tight game," said Diepenbrock. "They know us very well and we know them. The familiarity makes for an even playing field."

Whetstone and Gunn senior Anthony Rea battled the entire night at the point guard position, with Rea creating some of his own dramatic plays -- stolen passes, tipped away balls and some creative passing to fellow senior Steve Baker.

Now it is onto the playoffs for both teams, who await tomorrow morning's draw announcement.