PHOTOS: Mater Dei notches victory over Crean Lutheran at State Preview Classic

Kaiden Bailey of Crean Lutheran and Owen Verna of Mater Dei battle for the ball Saturday. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs / John Luciano).

Mater Dei High School’s boys basketball team overcame a five-point first quarter deficit to defeat Crean Lutheran 88-65 in the State Preview Classic Saturday at Colony High School.

The game was one of nine held at Colony.

Crean Lutheran led 18-13 after the first quarter but Mater Dei took control in the second quarter to take a 38-30 lead at halftime.

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

Crean Lutheran's Kaiden Bailey puts up a shot as Malloy Smith of Mater Dei defends.

Luke Barnett of Mater Dei is pressured defensively by Kenneth Bailey of Crean Lutheran.

Kenneth Bailey of Crean Lutheran goes up for a shot as Blake Davidson of Mater Dei defends.

Crean Lutheran Coach Nate Klitzing talks to his team during a timeout.

Dylan Gomez of Crean Lutheran takes a jumper.

Patrick Miranda of Crean Lutheran drives to the basket as Nolan Jacobsen (No. 2) and Luke Barnett of Mater Dei defend.

Luke Barnett of Mater Dei goes up for a rebound.

The Monarchs (18-5) were led by Brannon Martinsen, who had 31 points and eight rebounds. Blake Davidson had 13 points, Owen Verna 11 points and Brady Karich 10 points.

Kaiden Bailey scored 28 points and had four rebounds to lead Crean Lutheran. Evan Yang scored 12 points and Patrick Miranda had seven points, three rebounds and four assists for the Saints (16-6).

The Saints, who lead the Empire League, play at Tustin Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. for the start of the second round.

Mater Dei resumes Trinity League play Wednesday at St. John Bosco.

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