By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Berta Cabaza Middle School basketball players were recognized prior to the tip-off of a San Benito Lady Greyhounds’ non-district game, and were witness to what it takes for a come-from-behind victory.
The basketball lesson came at the expense of the Edinburg Lady Bobcats, who lost, 54-45, in a non-district game, Tuesday night at Greyhound Gymnasium.
There were four lead changes throughout the game with the final Edinburg lead coming with five minutes left in the contest.
San Benito’s defense showed its mettle in the opening round and the decisive fourth quarter. The offense clicked, too, with most of the points from inside the paint.
Senior Angelina Reyes attributed the scoring opportunities to what the team calls a “triangle” offense that San Benito Coach Abel Moreno emphasizes greatly based on his on-court personnel.
“We have made some lineup changes that have helped us in different aspects of the game. The girls have worked the last two weeks to improve our defense,” Moreno said. “We feel the changes the next (few) games before district will provide us the necessary preparation to gear up and fix the necessary things to make a district run.”
Reyes added that when a San Benito player attracts an extra defender off the opposing team, it can leave a teammate open near the net. Against Edinburg, Reyes had her share of assists as she continued to dish the basketball. The beneficiaries of those plays were the San Benito centers — senior Valerie Vela and freshman Kalista Olivares.
The first-year varsity player had 11 of her game-high 17 points. Olivares also made 3-of-4 free throws. Vela excelled in the fourth quarter as she scored eight points, and finished with 12.
Reyes also had 12 points, while senior Jade Maya contributed 13 points, which included three treys.
Edinburg tied the game twice in the second quarter and the San Benito scoring drought led to a 32-25 halftime lead. The Lady ‘Hounds, however, forced a tie at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter then belonged to them.
“This win boosts our confidence because we came from behind; I think there were games that we didn’t do that, and we should have won,” Reyes said. “Going into district play, we will remember this win and the things we did to achieve it.”
The victory improved the Lady ‘Hounds’ season record to 17-8, while Edinburg fell to 11-12.
San Benito’s last game this month is at PSJA on Friday, Dec. 20. Game time is 4 p.m.
Boys lose in OT
The San Benito Greyhounds, meanwhile, forced overtime, but it was to no avail as the Hidalgo Pirates slipped past them, 44-43, during a non-district game on Tuesday.
The Greyhounds were coming into the game off another non-district contest, which they won, 37-33, against the La Feria Lions.
San Benito’s last game this month is after Christmas Day on Dec. 27 at Jubilee Brownsville.
The ‘Hounds are 5-8 this season.
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