De La Salle hangs tough, but season ends as Spartans can’t beat Modesto Christian

MODESTO — The effort was there on every dive to the floor, every body thrown into a rebound and every open look taken without hesitation. But on a floor where almost no one wins playoff games, effort alone isn’t enough. Facing a program that has turned its home gym into one of Northern California’s toughest proving grounds, De La Salle matched Modesto Christian’s fight for long stretches Wednesday night. De La Salle’s Davit Pachulia (40) takes a shot against Modesto Christian’s Somto Patrick (20) in fourth quarter of their CIF NorCal boys basketball Open Division game at Modesto Christian High School in Modesto, Calif., on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News...