(Devine) — The Marion Bulldog basketball team used a barrage of three-point baskets to blow past Crystal City on Friday night and advance out of the Class 3A Area round with an 81-72 victory at Devine High School.
The Bulldogs started hot from deep early in the first quarter. Marion sophomore Travis Randle hit his first three shots, all from behind the arc in the game’s first 90 seconds. Junior Braeden Fleming would can three treys in the quarter and senior Richie Rayos would hit a triple as well as the Bulldogs built a 28-19 lead after the game’s first eight minutes.
Marion would push the lead into double digits, but the Javelinas would hang tough in the second quarter going on a run and tying the game at 41 late in the half. A pair of Fleming free throws in the final seconds would put the Bulldogs in front, 43-41 at the break. Marion hit nine three-pointers in the half led by Fleming’s four from deep.
In the third quarter, Rayos and Fleming would knock down two three’s a piece in the period. The Bulldogs would outscore the Javelinas, 20-12 in the quarter to take 63-53 lead into the fourth.
Marion would hold off a final run in the final quarter that saw Crystal City pull within a basket at one point. The Bulldogs would pull away in the game’s final minutes for the nine-point victory.
Rayos led all scorers with 27 points. The senior hit four three-point baskets on the night. Fleming had 23 including five three pointers. Randle finished with 11 and sophomore Jaiden Riley also had 11 points.
Marion moves onto the Region IV quarterfinals to face Poth. The Pirates and Bulldogs will meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Goldie Harris Gym in Seguin.