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Pair of Close Games for Raton Basketball Tuesday

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

Raton hosted Penasco Tuesday evening and what an evening it was as both games were nip and tuck and down to the wire as both teams come out with a loss.

The girls game was close and once again it came down to making shots and free throws when in counted and Raton fell short. Coach Victor Esparza noted that the girls had a too many turnovers that hurt them and they missed a few key free throws when they needed the points. The final score on the girls game was Penasco 50 Raton 46.

The boys on the other hand started out slow falling behind 9-2 early in the first quarter but fought back keeping it to within four points at half time. The halftime talk by coach Jose Archuleta must have faced the flame as the Tigers came out and took the lead early on in the third.

From there it was back and forth as Penasco never gave in. The game was tied going into the fourth and the Tigers found a groove that allowed them to pull away to a 8-point lead. Penance being a fast aggressive team battled back and tied the game late at 61. Raton managed to take the lead back but the Panthers found the basket and once again had the game tied. 

A foul with only three seconds left in the game sent Matt Lopez to the line with a tie score at 64. Two buckets later Penasco takes the win 66-64. Even with the loss Raton fans noted it was a big improvement over last year. 

Penance 16  12  13  25  66

Raton      11  13  17  23  64

Peans High Point

Wonance Rakestraw 21  6 of 9 free throws

Free Throws  14 of 34 attempts

Raton High Point

Jesse Espinoza 21  4 of 10 free throws

Austin Jones 18  6 of 10 free throws

Jonathan Cabrieles 9  3 of 6 free throws

Free Throws  13  of  35 attempts

Jesse Espinoza(1) flies by Ernie Lopez (30) on his way toward the basket Tuesday evening at Tiger Gym.
Jesse Espinoza(1) flies by Ernie Lopez (30) on his way toward the basket Tuesday evening at Tiger Gym.
A loose ball creates a jumping competition between Raton's  Jesse Espinoza and Penasco's Matt Lopez (32) before a noisy crowd at Tiger Gym Tuesday evening.
A loose ball creates a jumping competition between Raton’s Jesse Espinoza and Penasco’s Matt Lopez (32) before a noisy crowd at Tiger Gym Tuesday evening.
Auston Jones goes for the short jumper as Aaron Archuleta gets fingers on the ball and makes the block.
Auston Jones goes for the short jumper as Aaron Archuleta gets fingers on the ball and makes the block.
Wanonce Rakestraw reaches for the ball as Jonathan Cabrieles moves to the lane in a close ball game with Penasco Tuesday evening
Wanonce Rakestraw reaches for the ball as Jonathan Cabrieles moves to the lane in a close ball game with Penasco Tuesday evening

Raton v Penasco 11-24-15_8330

Jonathan Cabreiles take the ball to the basket as Aaron Archuleta goes for the block in this very close game.
Jonathan Cabreiles take the ball to the basket as Aaron Archuleta goes for the block in this very close game.
Aaron Archuleta (22) and David Gonzales (11) team up on Austin Jones as he attempts the shot in this very close tough fought ball game.
Aaron Archuleta (22) and David Gonzales (11) team up on Austin Jones as he attempts the shot in this very close tough fought ball game.
Austin Jones sweeps by Dakota Valdez (24) on his way to the basket for the easy shot
Austin Jones sweeps by Dakota Valdez (24) on his way to the basket for the easy shot
Matt Lopez puts the final free throw through the hoop to make this a 66-64 ball game with only three seconds on the clock as Penasco comes back from an 8-point deficit for the last second win.
Matt Lopez puts the final free throw through the hoop to make this a 66-64 ball game with only three seconds on the clock as Penasco comes back from an 8-point deficit for the last second win.

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