The Rio Mesa High boys basketball team had an entire week to stew over its loss to rival Camarillo.
Head coach Chris Ruffinelli challenged the Spartans to make amends in the postseason.
Rio Mesa responded, beating No. 12 Murrieta Mesa 79-75 in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3AAA playoffs on Wednesday night at Rio Mesa High.
Rio Mesa (18-9) plays at No. 5 Tustin in the second round on Friday night.