(Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—The Bobcat varsity basketball players defeated IDEA North Mission, 63-54, Tuesday during a Class 3A Division I bi-district game at home, granting them their fourth consecutive trip to the area round of the postseason.
The victory over the fifth-year basketball program improved the Bobcats’ overall record to 21-13. North Mission closed its season with a 9-13 record.
A strong second half for Rio Hondo enabled the team to win a bi-district game at home for the first time in years, Rio Hondo Head Coach Mike Alvarez said.
With the game knotted at 32 at halftime, the Bobcats went on a 15-0 run. The first four scoring opportunities came off turnovers.
“The big difference in the game was taking control early in the second half and taking a big lead,” said Alvarez, who also alluded to his players’ conditioning. “I told our players at halftime to remain disciplined in what we do, and there were opportunities that we left on the floor in the first half.”
Rio Hondo never relinquished its lead despite North Mission scoring the final three baskets of the third and two baskets in the opening stages of the final quarter.
Despite the Bobcats seeing their big lead dwindle down to four points, they stayed ahead of their foe thanks to turnovers.
“I’m never surprised with our guys because of our defensive rotation,” Alvarez said. “Our players wanted to put on a good show for our fans because it was the first time we hosted a playoff game. I think it added some extra motivation.”
Among Rio Hondo’s leading scorers were Ruben Atkinson (17 points), Caleb Sandoval (15 points), Charles Rodriguez (13 points), Matthew Lopez (8 points), Michael Lopez (4 points), Carlos Rodriguez (3 points), and Rodrigo Saucedo (2 points).
Rio Hondo’s next opponent is Corpus Christi West Oso, which beat Bishop in a bi-district contest, 72-56.
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