BOYS’ ROUNDUP : Mater Dei Defense Dooms Torrey Pines

Mater Dei’s defensive pressure lifted the Monarchs to a 63-52 victory over host Torrey Pines Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the Del Mar Torrey Pines tournament.

“I think our depth wore them down, and then our sophomore kid (Miles Simon, who scored 18 points) stepped up,” Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said. “I don’t think they’re used to seeing that kind of pressure, not in the first three games of this tournament, anyway.”

Mater Dei, top-ranked in Orange County and second-ranked in the state, scored the first 10 points of the fourth quarter to advance to the semifinals against Brooklyn Bishop Ford at 8:45 p.m. Monday at Peterson Gym.

The Monarchs (13-0) took advantage of nine turnovers in the third quarter, rallying from a five-point halftime deficit to trail by one, 43-42, entering the fourth quarter.

Simon had four three-point baskets in the second half; one tied the game at 37, another gave the Monarchs their first lead, 42-41, since leading 19-18 in the second quarter.

Scot Pollard, a 6-foot-11 junior, led Torrey Pines (8-3) with 24 points.

Reggie Geary had 16 points for Mater Dei.