PHOTOS: Newport Harbor holds on for win over Irvine in Luis Macias Tourney opener

Newport Harbor forward Owen Saukkola goes up for a layup between two Irvine defenders late in the game as the Sailors pulled away with the first win of the season Monday night in the Luis Macias Tournament. (PHOTOS: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Newport Harbor’s boys basketball team opened the season Monday night with a 53-47 victory over Irvine in the Luis Macias Tournament at Santa Ana High School.

Owen Saukkola had 20 points and 12 rebounds and Marcel Aguilar 16 points to lead the Sailors.

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

Newport Harbor forward Owen Saukkola led the Sailors in scoring Monday night.

Irvine guard Ian Lin spins around and goes for a layup as he is guarded by Newport Harbor's Antonio Hatziris.

Newport Harbor Coach Robert Torribio goes over plays with his players during a timeout.

Irvine's Jalen Yim looks for the pass as he is guarded by Newport Harbor's Oliver Aguero.

Newport Harbor guard Cade Clark passes the ball to a teammate as the Vaqueros Chase Brito covers during the first half of Monday night's game.

Newport Harbor's Marcel Aguilar pulls up a shot as he is guarded by Irvine's Jalen Yim (1) and Ian Lin (15).

Irvine players warm up before Monday night's season opener against Newport Harbor in Santa Ana.

Newport Harbor players warm up prior to Monday's season opener against Irvine.

Irvine's Holden Stearns makes a three point shot in spite of the tight defense applied by Marcel Aguilar in the third quarter.

Newport Harbor guard Hudson Witting drives the ball up the court as he is covered by Irvine players Thiago Ida (0) and Holden Stearns (3).

Irvine's Thiago Ida drives through two Newport Harbor to pull up a jumper during the second half.

Irvine's Chase Brito moves the ball up the court for the Vaqueros on Monday night.

Irvine Coach Harry Meussner supports his team during the second half of Monday's season opener.

Irvine forward Evan Terakawa secures the basketball before making a decision.

Irvine Holden Stearns is guarded by Newport Harbor's Marcel Aguilar.

Newport Harbor's Oliver Aguero pushes the ball up the court as he is guarded by Irvine's Jalen Yim.

“Always tough to start the year against a well coached team like Irvine,” said Newport Harbor Coach Robert Torribio. “They are playing very well already. We are adjusting as a young varsity team. We have one returning starter, our big man Owen, who played very well for us tonight and is helping everybdoy else grow together.”

Newport Harbor led 22-21 at halftime. There were several lead changes in the third quarter but the Sailors held a 35-33 lead after three quarters.

Newport Harbor eventually moved out to a 49-45 lead with 39 seconds remaining.

Irvine was led by Jalen Yim with 16 points, Chase Brito with eight points and Shawn Rahimi with seven points. Irvine plays Santiago Wednesday at 3:15 p.m.

Newport Harbor faces San Juan Hills Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Santa Ana.

(Fernando M. Donado contributed to this story).