PACIFICA TOURNAMENT : Pacifica’s Gaughen, Nagata Team Up to Beat Pius X

GARDEN GROVE — Pacifica High School’s Kevin Gaughen scored 25 points and had eight rebounds, and teammate Larry Nagata added 22 points in the Mariners’ 73-55 victory over Pius X in the Pacifica Tournament. Pacifica will play Santa Margarita in tonight’s championship game.

Trailing, 17-14, after one quarter, Gaughen and Nagata combined for all 20 of Pacifica’s points in the second quarter and the Mariners took a 34-28 halftime lead.

Pacifica, (4-3) won the game at the free-throw line, connecting on 36 of 45 attempts. The Warriors made only 10 of 19 attempts.

After trailing by as many as 12 points in the second half, Pius X (4-5) closed to within eight, 53-45, with 8:05 to play, but Pacifica outscored the Warriors, 20-10, the rest of the was to ensure the victory. Michael O’Brien led Pius X with 24 points.

In other tournament games:

Magnolia 97, Queen Elizabeth 54--Andy Walin scored 22 points and Wayne Thomas added 16 as the Sentinels set a school scoring record and advanced to the consolation finals against Miraleste this afternoon.

Magnolia (6-10) led, 56-24, at the half behind Walin’s five three-point baskets. Leon Williams added 16 points and Farhad Samari 10.

Queen Elizabeth, a Canadian touring team, was led by Jeff Walburger with 17 points.

Santa Margarita 68, Troy 35--The Eagles advanced to tonight’s championship game behind Dan Bathey’s 20 points. Santa Margarita led, 34-16, at the half and shut down the Warriors in the second half.

Randy Abbott scored 18 points to lead Troy.