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
