PHOTOS: Orange Lutheran rallies from big fourth quarter deficit to beat Oak Park

Orange Lutheran’s Zion Paleo heads up the court late in Monday’s game with Oak Park. Smith passed to Andrew Nagy (22) for the winning basket. (Photos courtesy Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone).

Orange Lutheran High School’s boys basketball team saved its best for last Monday night in its MLK Dream Classic match-up with Oak Park, rallying from nine points down in the fourth quarter to prevail 56-54 at St. John Bosco.

“It was a good win for us,” Lancer Coach Daniel Dunbar said. “One we can use going into two tough Trinity League games this week.”

Fourth-period tactics by both teams ultimately benefitted the Lancers. Designed to slow Oak Park’s quick guards, Dunbar had his club in a 2-3 zone most of the final eight minutes and with a near double diget lead, Oak Park was content to slow down its offense and run time off the clock.

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

Andrew Nagy’s dunk with 2.4 seconds to play gave Orange Lutheran a 56-54 win over Oak Park.

Andrew Nagy finishes his game-winning dunk for Orange Lutheran.

Orange Lutheran’s John Gazzaniga scores two of his game-high 20 points in fourth quarter.

David Manea’s fourth quarter basket helped Orange Lutheran rally from 10 down to beat Oak Park.

Cannon Porter scores a late basket for Orange Lutheran.

Orange Lutheran’s John Gazaniga is fouled as he drives to the basket against Oak Park’s Aaron Haggins (14) and a teammate.

Orange Lutheran’s Chris Magalong dives for a loose ball.

Orange Lutheran’s Cannon Potter wins the battle for a loose ball, under the attentive eye of Lancer Coach Daniel Dunbar.

Orange Lutheran’s Zion Paleo (2) and Cannon Potter defend against Oak Park.

Orange Lutheran’s David Manea (5) blocks a shot attempt by Oak Park’s Seshsha Nut Henderson.

The slower tempo benefitted the bigger Lancers and with several players making key shots, they were able to nibble away at the Oak Park lead, although they didn’t go ahead for good until the game’s final seconds.

With less than 10 seconds to play, the Lancers controlled a loose ball, guard Javon Smith starting upocourt and getting the ball to Andrew Nagy, who threw down a game-winning dunk with 2.4 seconds remaining.

John Gazzaniga scored 13 of his game-high 20 points in the second half and Nagy and David Manea each added 10.

Orange Lutheran (12-7, 2-2) hosts JSerra Wednesday night and then plays at Santa Margarita Friday night. Both games begin at 7.

—Courtesy Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone