Although reaching the win standard doesn't guarantee a squad a spot in the postseason, every team that has applied the past few years has made the playoffs.
If the Bulldogs (12-14, 5-9 in league) fail to make the postseason, it will be because they lost four Pacific League games by a combined total of 10 points.
"This was a huge win for us," Burbank Coach Jose Hernandez said. "Now that we have 12 wins, we can only hope the CIF thinks we're worthy of being in the playoffs. We think we are, but it's up to them. We must have had eight or 10 games that we lost by a few points."
The Bulldogs had six games determined by six points or less, including three decided by one point, one by two points, one by three points and one by six points.
The loss was a costly one for Burroughs (14-11, 7-7), as it fell into fourth place in league to claim the final guaranteed playoff spot. A win could have tied the Indians for second place with Hoover and Muir.
In a game that will long be remembered by Burbank fans, senior forward Robert Linda sank a three-pointer from the top of the key with less than a minute left, and then swished a 10-footer to seal the deal with seven seconds remaining.
Linda's late-game heroics were reminiscent of the Jan. 19 meeting between the teams that resulted in a 62-57 Bulldogs win.
"We were determined to win this game," said Linda, who has earned a football scholarship to UNLV. "These games against Burroughs are always tough, and you have to be prepared to play hard and we did."
Linda also grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots.
Not to be overlooked was a three-pointer by senior guard Nikos Christianakis that put Burbank ahead, 52-49, with slightly under two minutes left.
Linda's three made it 55-52 and erased Burroughs senior guard Marty Shinn's three-pointer that tied the score at 52.
