Pacifica Christian edges Orange Lutheran in thrilling BSN Showcase match-up

Pacifica Christian guards EJ Spillman (left) and Logan Stewart contributed to the win. (Photos: Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone).

The 3rd annual BSN Showcase matchup between Orange Lutheran and Pacifica Christian boys basketball teams lived up to its billing before a near capacity crowd at Pacifica Christian Saturday night.

EJ Spillman scored 11 points and the Tritons overcame a fourth-quarter deficit and then held off a Lancers late charge before holding on for a 54-53 win. The lead changed hands 19 times and the game was tied six times as both displayed a wide array of talent.

“We played great defense in the final quarter and it’s really fun to win a game like this,” said Spillman, a sophomore, who also added four rebounds and five assists. “It was crazy out there. I was just happy to be out there contributing. When I was a freshman I wouldn’t be on the floor late in the game.”

Spillman received the Mark Heller Player of the game Award named in honor of the former late sports broadcaster following the Tritons victory.

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Pacifica Christian (13-7) outscored Orange Lutheran 16-11 in the final quarter and forced five crucial turnovers.

The Lancers led 42-38 after three quarters. David Manea’s basket gave Orange Lutheran its biggest lead of the game at 44-38 with 6:26 to play. However, the Tritons went on a 15-2 run, sparked by Alex Stewart, Spillman, Parker Strauss and Logan Stewart. Spillman’s basket with 1:05 remaining gave Pacifica Christian a 53-46 lead and his free throw with 22 seconds left made it 54-50.  

“It really is a great win; we were down by six and we forced them to make mistakes and we hit our free throws,” said Logan Stewart

Orange Lutheran (11-6) countered with a 7-1 run in the final minute of play to close the gap. Manea’s 3-pointer with eight seconds remaining cut the lead to 54-53. The Lancers got the ball back, but Manea’s 3-point attempt from the corner at the buzzer hit off the and the Tritons held on for the win.

“It’s a big win for us; we’re always hearing about the Trinity League, so it’s extra special to win,” said Strauss, who scored 10 points and is committed to playing at Northwestern next season. “This win gives us momentum on our journey forward.”

The Tritons Alex Stewart also played an outstanding game, scoring 10 points and grabbing nine rebounds with three steals. His 3-pointer started Pacifica Christian’s 15-2 run in the fourth-quarter.

Tritons Coach Jeff Berokoff said it was important for his team to win against excellent competition.

“We picked up our defensive intensity in the second-half and EJ hit some big shots; it’s really fun to beat good teams,” Berokoff said.

Lancers coach Daniel Dunbar said his team had their chances.

“We didn’t hit our shots when we needed to ,” said Dunbar. “This was an excellent atmosphere against top notch competition.”

Orange Lutheran’s Andrew Nagy led all scorers with 14 points, making 7-of-10 field goals. He also pulled down eight rebounds. Manea scored 13 points and Zion Palco added 11 points and five assists for the Lancers. Salim Semaan’s late bucket gave the Tritons a 27-26 halftime lead.

The game was one of five held throughout the day as part of the showcase.

FINALS

Modesto Christian 65, Liberty 41

Desert Pines 71, Mayfair 48

Bakersfield Christian 57, Crespi 48

Southern California Academy 50, Balboa 37

—Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone