SOUTHERN SECTION 5-A BOYS’ BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS

Mater Dei 50, Irvine 45--After trailing most of the game, the top-seeded Monarchs won at home. Mater Dei (26-1) trailed at halftime, 28-22, as Irvine slowed the tempo in an attempt to upset the county’s No. 1 ranked team. Mater Dei didn’t take the lead until about seven minutes to play when Andy Karich hit a layup to put the Monarchs ahead, 41-39.

Karich, who led Mater Dei with 15 points, hit two free throws with seven seconds left to seal the victory. John Molle of Irvine (11-16) led all scorers with 20 points, but fouled out with 24 seconds left and Irvine trailing by two points.