San Jon Coyote, Phillip Rivers moves to stop Melrose Buffalos Zach Pack from going in for the lay-up during friday night's 74-51 loss to the Buffalos.

The San Jon Coyotes were overpowered by the Melrose Buffalos with a pair of losses Thursday night at San Jon.

The Lady Coyotes lost 55-23 to the Lady Buffalos, who used a full court trap and press to offset and disrupt the Lady Coyotes offense.

The Lady Buffalos attacked every loose ball and rebound with physical defense and a fast-paced offense that kept the Lady Coyotes on their toes.

"I was happy with the steals we were able to get and the girls aggressive play on defense," Lady Buffalos head coach Jack Props said. "We like to press all that we can and the whole idea is to force turnovers."

Scoring 12 points in the first half and 11 points in the second, the Lady Coyotes were unable to execute their offensive and defensive transitions.

"The girls are learning a new system, on both offense and defense, but they are working and playing hard," said Lady Coyotes head coach Steve Foust. "They are adjusting and getting better with every game. It may take some time but by district we should be a lot more sound."

Foust said that the girls need to play these tough teams at the beginning of the season to help develop their skills and conditioning.

"They have a lot of potential and they are willing to work hard to improve," Foust said.

The San Jon Coyotes were able to keep stride with the Melrose Buffalos through 2 and a 1/2 periods of play, but midway through the third period the Buffalos began to pull away.

The Buffalos held the lead throughout the game. The Coyotes had managed to keep the lead under double digits until the third period when the Buffalos lead by 26.

The play was physical and rough in the final two periods, with each team racking up fouls and sending players to the free throw line. 

The free throws played  a major factor in keeping the Coyotes in the game. They made 22-44 and Melrose made 24-52.

"We need to work on our free throws. If we would have made those shots we could have won the game," said Coyotes head coach Jeremy Stoner. 

Stoner said that the team is going to use the loss to their advantage in helping get their younger kids some experience.

"We are only six games into the season, and playing these tougher opponents is going to help us come district." Stoner said..

The Coyotes will  play again Thursday at the Route 66 Classic Tournament at Tucumcari.