Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The Tucumcari boys basketball team blew a six-point lead with less than a minute remaining during a 67-66 district-opening loss Friday at Dexter.
Dexter freshman guard CJ Granados made a short jump shot with 1.3 seconds left to give the Demons (9-12) the comeback win. He scored five of his team’s seven points during the last-minute rally.
The loss spoiled a 34-point performance by sophomore Luis Archuleta for the Rattlers (6-11). Daymion Urioste added 19 points for THS.
The Rattlers committed four turnovers during the final minute. Ball security has been a ongoing problem for the THS squad this season.
The loss left Tucumcari coach Gary Hittson at a loss for words during a telephone interview the following morning.
“I’ve laid here and thought about it, thought about it on the way home,” he said. “I don’t know what happened.
He finally added: “Our players just lost their composure is what happened. I guess it’s being young and not being disciplined.”
Tucumcari led for much of the contest, including a 14-point advantage in the third period.
The Rattlers held a 66-60 lead with less than a minute remaining.
Granados started the comeback by converting one of two free throws with 41.3 seconds left.
Dexter’s Demarcus Carrillo scored after an offensive rebound to make it 66-63 with 36.6 seconds remaining.
Tucumcari lost possession with 29.5 seconds left on an over-and-back penalty as the Demons applied full-court pressure.
Granados followed with a driving jump shot to make it 66-65 with 18 seconds remaining.
During timeouts in the final minute, Hittson implored his players to be careful.
“I told them to settle down and protect the basketball,” he said.
The Rattlers fumbled the ball out of bounds against the Demons’ press with 14.6 seconds left.
Granados appeared to make the go-ahead basket with 8.2 seconds left on a drive into the lane, but the score was reversed on a charging foul.
Tucumcari lost the ball again with 5.9 seconds left. That set up Granados’ winning bucket, touching off a wild celebration from players and fans.
It appeared time had expired, but the officials put 1.3 seconds back on the clock.
The Rattlers had a slim chance to set up a final play, but their long pass attempt into the backcourt hit the gym ceiling, giving the ball back to the Demons. Time expired after Dexter successfully corralled the inbounds pass.
Tucumcari’s next district clash is at home Friday night against New Mexico Military Institute (10-8).