JV Mules vs. Slaton (1-6-2016)

JV Mules vs. Slaton (1-6-2016)

The JV Mules played the Slaton Tigers close for four periods but could never gain an advantage. Slaton won the game 57-50. The Mules fell behind by two points, 6-4, with just over two minutes left in the first period.

The Mules tied the game to start the second quarter but the Tigers went on a 11 point run before the Mules could score again. The Mules never led after that.

Kevin Gonzales was fouled on a put back attempt and made both free throws to put the Mules on top 2-0 early in the game. Slaton answered to tie the game. Eric Herrera fed Coleman Preston on the blocks for a short jump shot.

Slaton made a pair of baskets to claim the lead and added a third before the Mules scored.

Isaiah Perez passed to Mikey Lozano open on the blocks for a short jumper to end the first period with the Tigers leading 6-4.

Jacob Kettner was fouled shooting and made both free throws to tie the game at 8-8 early in the second period. Rigo Mendoza scored to interrupt the Slaton scoring run but the Tigers dropped in a trey seconds later. Preston and Lozano each made a free throw.

Slaton doubled up on the Mules 24-12 with just over four minutes remaining in the first half. Lozano passed to Preston to complete a fast break as the Mules began to chip away at the Slaton lead.

Mendoza finished a fast break before Kettner fed Lozano for a baseline jumper. Lozano was fouled on the next trip down the floor and made one free throw. Reese Orozco fed Lozano running on a break to cut the Slaton lead to 24-21 at the half. The Mules had mounted an 11-2 run to end the half.

Slaton open the second half with a seven-point run to take a 31-21 lead over the Mules. Ean Hasley and Preston made a free throw each before Orozco scored on an in bound play.

Back-to-back 3-pointers put the Mules back in a hole with Slaton leading 37-25. Preston drove the baseline for a hoop and Perez finished a fast break. Mendoza battled through a foul to score with the third period drew to a close but he failed to complete the three-point play.

The Mules trailed 37-31 after three quarters.

Slaton had built a 55-38 lead over the Mules with 2:15 remaining in the game. The Mules battled back with 12 points in the final minutes.

Lozano paced the Mules with 16 points that included a trey in the final quarter. Preston finished with 11 points. Mendoza made six points while Hasley and Brendon Rodriguez dropped in four points each. Orozco added three points. Kettner, Gonzales and Perez chipped in two points each.

The Mules hosted the Bovina Mustangs Monday night in a late scheduled game before starting district play Friday night when the Littlefield Wildcats come for a visit. The Mules will host Friona January 19.