(Seguin) — The Seguin Matadors turned a one point deficit into a 14 point lead during the 2nd quarter and never looked back in getting an 81-62 win over the San Antonio Roosevelt Rough Riders on Thursday afternoon in the opener of the Matador Classic Boys Basketball Tournament.
After Seguin took a 22-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, Roosevelt went on a 12-4 run to start the second quarter to jump out in front 27-26. But the Matadors responded with a 17-2 run midway through the quarter to take back control of the game at 43-29. The Mats never trailed the Rough Riders for the rest of the game.
The first half breakout was fueled by some active defense and a pair of three pointers from Seguin reserve forward Alex Ramirez early in the run. Matador head coach Guy Nowlin credited his bench players for turning the game in Seguin’s favor.
“(Alex) was huge and Javen (Rivera) also stepped up defensively. He’s earned himself some minutes as well. Alex, we missed for a couple games. He was on a trip, so him coming in there (helped). He can shoot the basketball and he’s a long guy, so defensively and rebounding wise we look for him to contribute coming off the bench.”
The Matadors also got big contributions from their starters including guard John Jackson, who dropped in 14 points before halftime. The junior who came into the game averaging nearly 27 points per contest, finished with 28 points. Jakyari Matthews poured in 14 points and his brother Devin added 13.
The Mats continue the tournament this afternoon with a 4:30 p.m. game against San Antonio Southside at Goldie Harris Gym.
In Seguin’s second game in the tournament, the Mats crushed San Antonio Southside 66-37. The 2nd quarter was another big quarter for Seguin as they outscored the Cardinals 20-1 in the game’s 2nd 8 minutes. With a 20 plus point lead heading into the 4th period, Nowlin was able to rest his starters in the final quarter. Jackson lead Seguin in scoring with 19 points while Ramirez dropped in 10 off the bench.
The Mats are a perfect 6-0 overall on the season. They’ll have today off before they return to tournament action on Saturday morning.
In other tournament action from around the area…
(Geronimo) — Tatum Harborth averaged 25.5 points in two Navarro victories at the Navarro Girls Basketball Tournament on Thursday in Geronimo. The Navarro Running Lady Panthers beat Somerset 54-46 in their first game and then took down Seguin 56-42 in their second contest.
Ashlie Aguilar and Regan Schmidt each had 10 points in the Lady Matadors’ loss to Navarro. Seguin won their first game in the tournament earlier in the day, 52-44 over Cuero.
Navarro will play Cuero today at 9 a.m. while the Lady Matadors will battle with Somerset at 10:30 a.m. Both games will take place at the Navarro Events Center.
(Marion) — The Marion Bulldog Girls Basketball team fell in their games against Devine and the New Braunfels JV in the Marion Boys and Girls Invitational Tournament on Thursday.
The Marion Girls will be back in action today against Falls City. The game will tip at 1 O’clock at Marion Middle School.
Meanwhile, the Marion Boys team will start tournament play today against Yoakum at 1:30 p.m. at Marion High School.