As the Brownfield Runnin’ Cubs took on 15th-ranked Tornillo, the Bi-District win was a tale of two halves.
The Runnin’ Cubs Basketball Team came into Monday night, Feb. 20, 2022 Class 3A Region I Bi-District Championship against 15th ranked Tornillo as the underdog, but came out the game winners. Brownfield’s defense stood well during the game against a team that averages 70 points a game. With that, the first and second halves of the game were very different. Brownfield got off to a slow start, however, they were able to keep up with the Coyotes in the first half.
In the 1st quarter, the Runnin’ Cubs fell behind and were outscored 14-7. #23 Senior Malik Mason was able to get the first 3-pointer of the game and had a nice 2-point putback. Freshman Jeron Lawrence would help in the 1st with a long jump shot, which gave Brownfield seven points.
In the 2nd quarter, Brownfield somewhat caught up with Tornillo by outscoring them 16-13 and going into the half down 27-23. Junior Jo Jo Carillo would catch on fire by busting two 3’s and a 2-point jump shot, also he went to the charity stripe, going four for four and leading 2nd quarter in points with 12 of the 16 scored. Junior Kj Carrol added 2 points, and Lawerence the other 2 points.
Coming into the second half, the Runnin’ Cubs were down by four, their defense continued to stifle the Coyotes. Brownfield outscored Tornillo 17-9. Malik Mason would take charge under the basket and on the last play and set of points in the 3rd quarter he would be fouled and would make the 3-point play the ole fashion way. Mason had 9 of the 17 points in the 3rd. Carillo would add a 3-pointer and a 2-point jump shot, with Senior Brandon Anthony busting a 3-pointer as well. The Runnin’ Cubs would take the lead at the end of the 3rd 40-36.
In the 4th quarter, Tornillo played a closer game, although they were still outscored 21-20. Freshman Pedro Rodriguez took high points in the 4th with 7 points, four came from the line and of course he busted a 3-pointer. Mason would again come in strong under the basket putting up 4 ppoints, Anthony would math that with 4 of his own draining a 3-pointer and one at the line. Lawrence would 3 points on a foul, counting the bucket and draining one at the charity stripe. Carillo would finish with 3 points in the fourth as well with a bucket and a foul shot. The Runnin’ Cubs would win 61-56.
Carillo was lead point scorer with 20, Mason was next with 18, Anthony, Lawrence, & Rodriguez each had 7 points, and Carrol had 2 points.
Next game will be the Area Round Championship against either Idalou or Spearman.
