PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran finishes strong and advances into CIF Division 1 quarterfinals

Jacob Majok of Crean Lutheran (No. 23) is cheered on by teammate Hunter Caplan, who was sidelined for Friday’s game and No. 34 Will Malual. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Samantha Burgett).

Crean Lutheran High School’s boys basketball team is moving on to the quarterfinal round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs to host Campbell Hall Tuesday at 7 p.m. on campus.

The Saints (17-11) advanced with a 62-52 victory over Brentwood Friday night on the road. Campbell Hall (19-9) moved on with a 79-66 victory over top-seeded Crespi.

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

Caden Jones of Crean Lutheran brings the ball up vs. Brentwood.

Will Malual (No. 34) battles for possession.

Crean Lutheran coaches, including assistant Austin Loeb, encourage the Saints.

Crean Lutheran players encourage their teammates Friday night.

The winner of Tuesday’s game moves on to the semifinals Friday vs. the winner of the Los Alamitos vs. Rolling Hills Prep game.

“It was a total team effort,” Crean Lutheran Coach Nate Klitzing said Saturday, adding his team has played the toughest schedule in school history. “We have been battle tested all year and our guys have continued to buy into a culture that trusts, perseveres and plays for each other, and does whatever it takes to contribute to winning plays.”

Crean Lutheran trailed the entire game under four minutes left in the game.

After a timeout, junior Jacob Majok stepped up his game. He had the task of guarding one of the top players in his class. Majok played stifling defense and hit two crucial 3-pointers to put the Saints ahead, Klitzing said.

Majok had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Matt Ciftcikara led the scoring with 19 points, hitting timely shots throughout the game.

“We had different players step up in various stages of the game,” said Klitzing.

Leading scorer Hunter Caplan, who averages 16 points a game, was sidelined, the coach said.

“Sophomore point guard Caden Jones and senior guard Arnez Reynolds were vital to Crean Lutheran’s comeback win,” Klitzing said. “In a crucial moment of the game, Caden Jones inbounded the ball off the opponent’s back and scored a momentum-changing basket to extend the Saints lead over Brentwood.

“I am so proud of this team. We have played in close games seemingly all season, in our very tough Crestview League and many others so we were able to remain confident in the clutch and turn up our intensity to find a way to win.”

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com