Acalanes Edges San Marin in Playoff Thriller: How to Watch

This Marin County sports recap takes a look at Acalanes’ 51-34 playoff win over San Marin. The result really shows off the Dons’ growing postseason momentum and their stronger home-court vibe.

From Lafayette to Novato, the Bay Area’s hoop scene is buzzing. This matchup put a spotlight on how Acalanes High School in Lafayette is making a late-season push, while San Marin, from nearby Novato, tried to stay alive in a tough playoff bracket.

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Table of Contents

Acalanes extends postseason run with a 51-34 playoff victory over San Marin

The Dons defended their home floor in Lafayette, holding San Marin back with tough defense and steady scoring. This win was a big step in Acalanes’ postseason run and adds to the East Bay’s reputation for strong girls’ basketball that Marin County fans expect every February and March.

Key numbers and standout performances

San Marin’s freshman, Alaina McDowel, led the Mustangs with 15 points and six rebounds. She shot 50% from the field, which is pretty impressive for a freshman under playoff pressure.

Abigail Bartholo added seven points and five rebounds for San Marin. Even with the loss, she gave the Novato squad some reliable production.

For Acalanes, the win kept their balanced offense rolling and showed off their relentless home-court energy. They now sit at 20-8 on the season.

The victory stretched their streak to six straight home wins. That’s the kind of thing that keeps Marin County fans filling up the bleachers in Lafayette and Orinda after school.

51-34 win over San Marin caps a strong playoff performance for Acalanes.
20-8 overall record shows depth and consistency across the roster.
Six straight home wins reinforce the Dons’ edge in a league that includes rivals from Moraga (Campolindo) to Larkspur (Redwood).

Acalanes didn’t let up after this one—they followed up with a 69-52 win at Alameda on February 20. They’re clearly riding some late-season momentum.

San Marin, meanwhile, didn’t have any more games scheduled at the time of publication. That’s pretty normal as teams in San Marin, Novato, and nearby towns wait for the next round of playoff seeding.

Acalanes has handled earlier meetings with familiar Bay Area opponents like Campolindo (Moraga), Alhambra, Redwood (Larkspur), and Vanden (Fairfield). That history, plus the home crowd’s energy, keeps the Dons in the mix as Marin County’s girls’ hoops scene turns toward postseason bragging rights.

Momentum, regional context, and what comes next for Marin County hoops

In a county where towns like Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Novato, and San Rafael keep racking up big wins, Acalanes’ playoff resilience means more than just a number on the scoreboard. The Dons have found ways to score consistently and defend their home court, and that’s got folks talking from Mount Tamalpais to the neighborhoods near Corte Madera and Mill Valley.

Fans in Fairfax and Tiburon have picked up on the Dons’ deep roster and how that wears down opponents late in games. That’s really what Marin County basketball is about—preparation, strong community backing, and playing a sharp, clean game.

San Marin’s players definitely deserve a nod for stepping up in a pressure-packed playoff. McDowel’s 15 points really showed off what Novato’s program can do.

For Acalanes, their postseason run will probably come down to how hard they defend and whether they can keep getting points from a bunch of different players. That’s been their recipe in Lafayette, and honestly, it’s working.

These results, pulled from MaxPreps stats and local stories, show just how much home-court advantage and those old-school rivalries shape the Marin County girls’ basketball scene. Fans in Corte Madera, Mill Valley, and Sausalito are going to be watching every move as February fades into March.

Note: This recap was generated using MaxPreps game data and local reporting from Marin County communities.

Here is the source article for this story: Basketball Recap: Acalanes Takes Down San Marin in a Playoff Battle + How To Watch

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.