Cinco Ranch went into Tuesday night’s match up against Alief Hastings expecting a tough game. Hastings is the front-runner in 18-5A, but that did not keep the Cougars from handing the district champs a third loss with a score of 80-74.

The game started fairly even with both teams pushing to gain that needed momentum. Hastings came out firing on all cylinders early in the first. The Bears’ tenacious defense generated several aggressive transition dunks.

But the Cougars fought back. They broke the game open slightly in the second quarter and led by as many as nine points. At half, they had 35-28 advantage.

That momentum followed Cougars into the third, as they jumped out to a quick 13 lead early. Hastings went into a full court press and began converting the key baskets. By the three-minute mark, the Bears managed to tie score up at 45 after guards BJ Holmes and Chris Iles knocked down back-to-back three pointers.

In the fourth, several fouls were committed on both sides. Because the game remained close, these foul shots became valuable. Cinco Ranch was 17-of-22, while Hastings converted 8-of-31.

Leading the way for the Cougars was Curtis Thompson with 26 points. Antwan Mullins, who made several key free throws down the stretch, finished with 15 points.

For the Bears, Holmes had 26 points and PJ Alawoya added 19 points.

Hastings will advance to postseason play while Cinco Ranch finished with a season record of 15-19.

Log on to The Athlete’s Connection later this week for District 18-5A basketball updates.
 

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