The Cub basketball team entered Tuesday nights game in a three way tie for the fourth spot in district with Slaton and Roosevelt. If the Cubs could pull out the win it would put them in fourth alone with one game left to finish the first half of district play.
The Tigers came out red hot hitting four three point shots, taking a ten point lead early in the first quarter. With just under two minutes left in the first the Cubs were able to hit a few three pointers to cut into that lead making the score 20-14. The Cubs continued their shooting in the second quarter behind Jaden Martinez and Nikko Vela who scored eleven of the Cubs fifteen points, while the Tigers only scored 11. This made the score 29-29 at the half.
The second half seemed to flip the script as the Cubs came out hot and took a nine point lead with three minutes left to go in the third. Then the Tigers got hot again going on a 8-0 run to finish the quarter. There were four lead changes in the fourth quarter alone with neither team able to extend a lead. It was with 1:40 left in the game that the Cubs took a six point lead and looked to be in control. The Tigers however began to press the Cubs and back to back turnovers led to a 5-0 run getting the Tigers to within one of the Cubs. The Tigers then took the lead when Hudson Sacket was fouled after another Cub turnover and hit both free throws to take a one point lead with eighteen seconds left in the game. The Cubs called a timeout and came down the court hoping for one good look to take the lead back. The Cubs missed a two point shot but Nikko Vela fought for the rebound and was fouled on the put back attempt putting him on the line. Nikko hit both shots giving the Cubs the lead back with six seconds left to go in the game. The Cub defense came through as the Tigers took one last shot but missed and Kyle Suarez was fouled after getting the rebound. Kyle missed the free throw but got his own rebound and scored as the clock sounded with the Cubs on top 58-55.
The Cubs were led in scoring by Jaden Martinez with 19 points and Nikko Vela 14. Seniors Malachi Garza and Rocky Vicencio finished with 9 points and 6 points while Kyle Suarez finished with 4 points and 5 rebounds.
It was a great win for the Cubs who currently in fourth place alone with DC coming to town on Friday. Come out and support the Cubs or listen in on the TownTalk Radio App to catch all the action.
