PHOTOS: Mater Dei unable to pull off another upset; falls to No. 1 Sierra Canyon 59-48 in finals

Mater Dei players, including Devin Askew (far left) react to the loss to Sierra Canyon in the finals. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sport Zone)

Mater Dei’s boys basketball team had quite a run to reach the CIF Open Division championship game against top-seeded Sierra Canyon Friday night, winnning three games on the road.

But the Monarchs couldn’t pull off another one in the title game at The Walter Pyramid at Long Beach State, losing 59-48.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Ziare Williams scored 23 points to lead Sierra Canyon. Brandon Boston Jr. added 16 points. Wilhelm Briendenback scored 18 points and Devin Askew 15 points for Mater Dei.

Coach Gary McKnight’s Mater Dei team (25-7) opened the tournament defeating No. 2 Centennial Corona 66-58, then defeated No. 3 Rancho Christian 76-71 and No. 7 Harvard Westlake 65-46.

Both teams will advance to the Southern California regionals beginning next week.