Sabercats hold off Mustangs comeback attempt

3 days ago 39

EDINBURG — No nights off.

That’s been the mantra in District 31-5A early this season, with nearly every squad in the nine-team district appearing to be contenders for this year’s title. Five of those teams entered this week’s action with just one loss during league play.

Two of those squads squared off Tuesday, with Edinburg Vela hosting McAllen Memorial in a game that could prove pivotal to both the playoff picture and district title hunt down the stretch.

The Sabercats emerged victorious during the game, holding off a furious Mustangs’ rally attempt for a crucial 57-52 win at the Edinburg Vela Gym.

“We got to play all four quarters,” Edinburg Vela head coach Lottie Zarate said. “If we’re going to put our foot on the gas pedal, we must keep it the whole way. I thought in the third quarter we had too many turnovers right off the bat and they capitalized on that. They started creeping back up, so I called a timeout. I told our girls they needed to keep their composure and take care of the ball because McAllen Memorial is a very good ball club. You can see that. A 20-point lead and we ended up winning by single digits. I know a win is a win, but I wanted us to take care of the ball when we had to and keep the intensity up in the third and fourth quarter.”

Edinburg Vela pounced on McAllen Memorial from the opening tip, jumping out to a 18-4 lead after one behind a stingy full court press and an eight point quarter from senior GG Betancourt.

The Sabercats kept their foot on the gas during the second, with sophomore Aurora Guzman leading the charge with seven points during the period to make it 36-18 at the break.

The Mustangs wouldn’t go down without a fight, however, with freshman MJ Banjao erupting for nine points during the third to help cut McAllen Memorial’s deficit to 10 heading into the fourth.

A quick pair of buckets by McAllen Memorial’s Eva Villarreal and Ann Mabadeje to start the final period by made it a six-point game, but timely free throws by seniors Ava Tovar and Betancourt helped the Sabercats end the Mustangs rally attempt and hold on for the win.

“We definitely lean on our two seniors,” Zarate said. “As you can see, they were really putting a lot of pressure on GG and defending her well by double teaming and triple teaming her. I talked to Ava about helping her relieve the pressure. Leaning on them is critical. The girls know those are their two seniors. They had some words of wisdom to the girls in regard to helping them and helping each other out and just contributing offensively and defensively.”

Betancourt and Tovar combined for 25 total points during the win, with Betancourt finishing with 13 and Tovar with 12. Sophomore Savanah Rivera lead the team with 14 points.

Banjao finished with a game-high 21 points during the loss, including 16 during the Mustangs’ second-half comeback attempt. Mabadeje added 12 points and numerous steals.

The win improves Vela to 16-6 overall and 3-1 in district, keeping them in a four-way tie for first with Sharyland Pioneer (15-9, 4-1), PSJA North (18-7, 4-1) and Sharyland High (14-7, 3-1). The Mustangs drop to 18-8 overall and 3-2 in district, while also falling to fifth in the standings.

Edinburg Vela turns its attention to a tilt against McAllen High (13-9, 1-3) at noon Friday at the McAllen High Gym.

The Mustangs return home for a game against PSJA Memorial at noon Friday at the McAllen Memorial Gym.

“You can’t let up,” Zarate said. “Like you said, it’s a tough district. We still have Rowe, McHi and Sharyland High. We just have to battle every night. You can’t fall asleep on anybody. You have to be ready because everybody is after you. Everybody is knocking on your door. The girls know that. It is not an easy district. It’s a very tough district.”

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