Mater Dei’s big three come through in 75-63 playoff win over Loyola

To eliminate Santa Ana Mater Dei from the state basketball playoffs, an opponent must find a way to disrupt the Monarchs’ big three — Xavier Johnson, Katin Reinhardt and Stanley Johnson.

For three quarters, Los Angeles Loyola was doing its best. Then the fourth quarter came, and the Mater Dei threesome took charge, leading to an 11-1 surge to start the quarter. The Monarchs went on to a 75-63 victory in a semifinal game of the Division I Southern California Regionals.

Mater Dei (32-2) will play Fresno Bullard in Saturday’s 8 p.m. final at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. Bullard upset Long Beach Poly, 54-52, on a three-pointer by Mark Anderson at the buzzer.

FOR THE RECORD:
Mater Dei victory: In the March 14 sports section, the Mater Dei-Loyola game story said Mark Anderson made the game-winning three-pointer for Bullard in its game against Long Beach Poly. Walter Orr made the three-pointer.

Just getting the Nevada Las Vegas-bound Reinhardt back on the court was a major victory for the Monarchs. He missed the quarterfinal game against Mission Viejo last week because of stretched ligaments in his right hand. It was heavily wrapped Tuesday, but he scored 21 points, had 11 rebounds and made four three-pointers.

“It’s sore,” Reinhardt said. “I just have to ice it and stay on top of it.”

Said Coach Gary McKnight: “I didn’t think he could play. He said he worked out on Sunday and felt good. I was amazed he shot so well.”

Loyola (26-6) held a 49-47 lead through three quarters. Freshman Max Hazzard scored 11 points and stepped up at decisive moments in the first half to provide a boost. Senior Julian Harrell led the team with 20 points, but the Cubs had no answer for Xavier Johnson and Stanley Johnson in the fourth quarter. Xavier had 11 of his 26 points in the quarter. Stanley had eight of his 17 points. Mater Dei outscored the Cubs, 27-14.

“I told them at halftime the big three have to take over,” McKnight said.

It was a night for drama. In Division III, Daniel Hamilton made a shot with 1.7 seconds left to lift Bellflower St. John Bosco to a 53-51 victory over Pasadena. In Division IV, Skylar Spencer made two free throws with 6.9 seconds left to give Los Angeles Price a 53-52 win over La Verne Lutheran.

In Division V, Marquis Salmon scored 29 points to help Sun Valley Village Christian eliminate No. 1-seeded Playa del Rey St. Bernard, 75-65.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com