GARDEN GROVE — The Workman boys basketball team was closing in on its first appearance in the CIF Southern Section semifinals in more than 20 years Tuesday night.

It held a three-point halftime lead over Santiago of Garden Grove in the Division 4AA quarterfinals.

But Santiago’s Jorden De La Mora had other plans.

De La Mora scored 30 of his game-high 36 points in the second half, and Santiago’s defense didn’t allow Workman to get off a potential winning or tying shot in the final seconds to hold on for a 66-64 victory.

Workman head coach Martin Flores had no regrets over the way his team played.

“It’s a tough loss,” Flores said. “In games like this, you have to give props to both teams. It could’ve gone either way. We played with six guys tonight. They were physical, they were big and they pushed (us). We missed a few (shots) because of fatigue.”

The Lobos’ star duo of Aron Hernandez and Alex Munoz had their fingerprints all over the game, combining for 47 points.

“They have basically carried us,” Flores said. “They played so hard, I’m so grateful to them. They never complained. They were a coach’s dream. I was blessed with those two guys.”

Munoz was outstanding in the loss, notching a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.  The 6-foot-7 forward was extremely effective in the paint and finished 8 of 10 from the field.

“I mean, we tried our best and we made it to the third round,” Munoz said. “I tried my best, but this time it wasn’t enough. I’m very proud of my teammates and my coaches.”

The two teams exchanged quick baskets early in the first half. Neither team could pull away, and there were over six lead changes in the first quarter alone.

Santiago struggled to guard Hernandez, as the senior guard scored 11 points in the first half.

Hernandez ended with a team-high 28 points on 10-for-19 shooting, including 3 of 4 from behind the arc. He added five steals.

The short rotation began to work against Workman in the second half, as the Cavaliers shot lights out against the Lobos. Santiago made seven of its 12 3-pointers in the second half.

To begin the fourth quarter, Santiago went on a 5–0 run to take a 57-50 lead, which made Workman play from behind for the majority of the final quarter.

Workman tied the score at 64-64 when Munoz made a putback shot with 32 seconds left.

Following a quick foul and two made free throws by the Cavaliers, Workman had a chance to potentially tie or win the game with 4 seconds left, but he couldn’t get off a final shot.

“We were gonna put ourselves in a situation and we were there,” Flores said. “I mean, we really felt like we could win the game.”

Workman ends its season 26-5 and as undefeated Miramonte League champions.

“I’m proud of our season, we got to the quarterfinals,” Flores said. “We’re undefeated league (champions). We never lost at home. I have a lot to be proud of and I’m really proud of our guys.”

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