PHOTOS: Santiago’s magical season ends with home loss in CIF State Regional opener

Santiago players react as the final seconds wind down in Tuesday’s game. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).

Santiago’s memorable season came to end Tuesday night when the No. 6-seeded Cavaliers lost to No. 11 Bernstein 59-47 in the opening round of the CIF Division IV state boys basketball regional at Santiago.

Three days earlier, the Cavaliers captured the first CIF boys basketball title in school history when they defeated Ramona 64-49 in the 4AA final at Toyota Arena.

In Tuesday’s game, Santiago (22-12) was led by Jorden De La Mora, who had 18 points and Jayden Baude, who finished with 15 points.

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

Santiago's Jayen Baude goes up the basket, Carlos Leon of Bernstein defends.

Jorden De La Mora of Santiago lays the ball up as Carlos Leon defends.

The Santiago mascot was at Tuesday's game.

Santiago's Xavier Landeros defends against Bernstein's Carlos Corrdero.

Anthony Bermudez of Santiago controls the ball and heads to the basket as Bernstein's De'Andre Kincaid-Sanders defends.

Santiago's Jorden De La Mora guards Bernstein's Jayden Hernandez as he drives to the basket.

Santiago's Jayden Baude scores on a layup as Bernstein's Jayden Hernandez defends.

Santiago's Jorden De La Mora and Diego Bracamonte react to a call.

“It was a tough loss tonight because we didn’t play our best,” said Santiago Coach Matt Moorhouse. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a game like this. Coming off the emotional high of winning CIF on Saturday, it was difficult to turn around and be at our best just a few days later.

“While the loss is disappointing, I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished. Winning the first CIF title in school history was an incredible achievement and a memory that will last a lifetime for our players.”

Bernstein (27-2) moves on to face No. 3 Long Beach Poly Tuesday in the second round.

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