Monterey Seals Win at the Line Against Coronado

The Plainsmen came out hot in the 1st quarter, capitalizing on three quick turnovers to put up points early. But the Mustangs fought back, hitting 2 open 3-pointers to tie the game in the first few minutes. Once Coronado adjusted their defense to shut down Monterey's fast passing game, they seemed to find the Plainsmen's Achilles' heel.

Down by 7 going into the 2nd quarter, the Plainsmen regained their confidence and started attacking the paint more aggressively. Elijah Smothers and Jarel Phillips shined throughout the night, driving the team back into the game with a momentum-boosting alley-oop by Sam Arrington. While the Mustangs struggled with turnovers, they held on to a 5-point lead at halftime, 29-24.

After halftime, the Plainsmen came out like a completely different team, rallying throughout the third quarter. Their sharp passing around the arc, solid rebounding, and tight defense turned the deficit into a lead.

The Plainsmen took a 5-point lead into the fourth. Both teams slowed down, taking open shots when they had the chance. Coronado’s Notorious Watson hit a shot from inside the arc to tie the game at 51, but a shooting foul on the other end gave Elijah Smothers the chance to win it at the line. After sinking both free throws, Coronado had just 2 seconds left for a half-court heave, but it missed, and the Plainsmen held on for a 53-51 win.

The Monterey Plainsmen travel up north to take on the Plainsmen Bulldogs on Friday, January 10. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Lubbock Coronado returns to action on Friday, January 10, when the Mustangs host Amarillo High at Coronado High School. Tip-opp in that matchup is scheduled for 7;30 p.m.