7th Mules vs. Olton (1-20-14)

7th Mules vs. Olton (1-20-14)

The seventh grade Mules got off to a slow start Monday night against the Olton Mustangs but came back after the intermission looking like a different team. The Mules out scored Olton 7-3 in the third period and 9-5 in the fourth to defeat the Mustangs 22-20.

Ryan Rodriguez scored the Mules first two points of the game about a minute and half into the first period. Ean Hasley added the Mules second hoop and Olton led the Mules 6-4.

Olton held the Mules to just two points in the second period. Izaiah Hurtado scored on a fast break 40 seconds into the quarter. Olton dropped in eight points to take a 14-6 lead to the dressing room at the half. 

The Mules tightened up on defense in the third frame and held the Mustangs to just three points. Hurtado opened the second half with a basket. Rodriguez put back an offensive rebound for two points before Olton made a free throw.

Ethan Villa was fouled shooting and made a free throw.  Noah Russell was fouled on a put-back attempt and made a free throw. Hurtado picked a Mustang’s pocket, drove the floor and was fouled shooting. He made one free throw to end the period with the Mules trailing 13-17.

Hurtado drove the lane and was fouled shooting to start the final period. He made one free throw. On the next trip down the floor Hurtado drove to the hoop from the right wing for a lay up and cut Olton’s lead to one point. 

Hurtado again found an open lane to the hoop on the right side and drove for a lay up to put the Mules in front 18-17 with 3:05 left to play. Olton made a free throw to tie the game. 

Ethan Villa finished a fast break after catching a three-quarter court pass to again give the Mules the lead. Olton tied the game one last time with a hoop with 1:45 left in the game. Luke Del Toro broke through Olton’s back door and Rodriguez passed him the ball for a short jump shot to end all scoring. 

Hurtado led the Mules in scoring with 10 points and Rodriguez added five points. Villa, Del Toro and Hasley each dropped in two points and Russell chipped in one point. 

The Mules traveled to Dimmitt Monday to battle the Bobcats. The Mules will host a tournament January 30 and February 1. The Mules play their final home game February 3 when they host the Littlefield Wildcats.