Saddleback boys basketball team holds on for 48-47 win over Loara in Grizzly Invitational

Saddleback was led Saturday by (from left) Antonio Reyes, Jesus Hernandez, Mauricio Perez, Alejandro Mena and Sergio Calderon. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Saddleback High’s boys basketball team survived a late comeback by Loara to capture a 48-47 victory over Loara Saturday in a consolation round game at the Grizzly Invitational.

Loara had a chance to tie or go ahead in the final seconds but the shot fell off the rim and the Roadrunners (2-7) celebrated their first victory in the tournament. Saddleback was 1-4 on the week.

“It was a very exciting game, winning by one, first time being in a situation like this with this group of guys and I thought they handled themselves very maturly and very well,” said Saddleback Coach Chris Emaguna.

“This makes us 1-4 for the week but I thought the guys had a tough hand. It’s very good competition for us going into our next tournament and into league. I think this is preparing us.”

Saddleback was led by senior Antonio Reyes, who had 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks; junior Sergio Calderon, who had 11 points; junior Mauricio Perez, who had five points, five assists and five steals; junior Jesus Hernandez, who had seven points, three assists and four steals; and sophomore Alex Mena, who had four points, six assists and three rebounds.

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