Pacifica Dominates Newport Harbor 59-37 in Round 2 of CIF-SS (2025)

Newport Beach – Tritons Gym

Newport Harbor fought hard on the road on Friday night, but fell to Pacifica Christian 59-37 after a dominant fourth-quarter performance by the home team. The game remained competitive through the first three quarters, but Pacifica Christian pulled away late to gain the victory.

The game opened with both teams playing tight defense, limiting scoring opportunities. Newport Harbor managed just seven points in the first quarter, while Pacifica Christian held a narrow 8-7 lead. The Sailors responded in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 15-13 to take a slight edge into halftime. Jack Berry and Owen Saukkola were key contributors in keeping Newport Harbor in the game early.

The momentum shifted in the third quarter as Pacifica Christian increased defensive pressure, forcing tough shots from Newport Harbor. The Sailors struggled to find rhythm, managing only seven points in the period. Meanwhile, Pacifica Christian capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 14 points to reclaim control.

Newport Harbor entered the fourth quarter trailing by six but was unable to contain Pacifica Christian’s explosive finish. The Tritons erupted for 24 points in the final period, sealing the game with efficient shooting and defensive stops. Newport Harbor was limited to just eight points in the quarter as the game slipped away.

Jack Berry led the Sailors with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Owen Saukkola matched him with 14 points of his own. Vaughan Casey added four points and four rebounds, providing key contributions off the bench. Defensively, Gavin Guy led the way with eight rebounds.

For Pacifica Christian, EJ Spillman was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 21 points and seven rebounds. Michael Noel contributed 11 points, while Joaquin Rigdon added eight points and Hudson Reynolds came out aggressive with three steals. The Tritons controlled the pace down the stretch, executing their game plan effectively in the final minutes.

Newport Harbor showed grit and defensive intensity throughout the game but struggled to find offensive consistency, particularly in the second half. Despite the loss, the team displayed flashes of strong ball movement and defensive toughness.

With the season coming to an end, Newport Harbor will reflect on their valiant finish, while Pacifica Christian builds on their momentum heading into the next round of competition.