PHOTOS: Strong second half lifts Crean Lutheran past Pacifica in Empire League game

Crean Lutheran players, including starters cheer on their teammates late in Friday’s Empire League game. Coach Nate Klitzing substituted once the Saints had a comfortable margin. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs; John Luciano, Howard Lyon and Ted Rigoni).

Crean Lutheran High School’s boys basketball team had a big second half to defeat Pacifica 63-45 in an Empire League game Friday night at Crean Lutheran.

The Saints (13-5, 2-0) trailed by four points at halftime but moved ahead 43-39 after three quarters.

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

Dylan Gomez of Crean Lutheran goes up for a shot.

Crean Lutheran's Patrick Miranda applies defensive pressure.

Crean Lutheran's Braeden Davidson guards Ryan Luong of Pacifica.

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

Noah Salas of Pacifica goes up for a basket.

Kaiden Bailey of Crean Lutheran drives to the basket.

Pacifica players Jaydon Yuki (No. 2) and Zach Ghobrial cheer their teammates on.

Riley Conerty goes up for a shot for the Saints.

Ryan Luong of Pacifica goes up for a shot.

Ethan Lee of Pacifica drives to the basket.

Braeden Davidson of Crean Lutheran goes up for a shot as Pacifica's Ethan Lee defends.

Crean Lutheran's Milanas Luksas goes for a basket as Tyson Pham of Pacifica defends.

Kaiden Bailey scored 22 points and had four rebounds, Dylan Gomez scored 19 points and grabbed five rebounds and Patrick Miranda had 10 points.

Crean Lutheran has won 23 league games in a row dating back to 2020. The Saints play at Cypress Tuesday night.