Matadors’ Dominant Defense Leads to Coach's 500th Victory

The Patriots won the tip-off and quickly knocked down a 3 to take the early lead. However, the Matadors answered right back with a 3 of their own and never looked back, taking control of the game for the rest of the contest. Once Estacado found their rhythm, their elite defense shut down the Patriots, and most of the Matadors' points came off turnovers. By halftime, Estacado led 34-20.

After a dominant first half, the Matadors felt unstoppable. While they poured in 24 points in the third quarter, the Patriots kept themselves in the game with 16 points of their own, mainly from free throws. This was the greatest offensive stretch of the game. With the game slipping further out of reach, Liberty couldn’t close the gap. As the final seconds ticked away, the cheers from the Patriots' fans faded. Estacado celebrated a 73-46 win over Lubbock Cooper Liberty, and the 500th career win for head coach Tony Wagner.

Estacado’s Shakuve Wilson led all scorers in Tuesday night’s matchup with 18 points, and Bobby Ross followed up with 17.

Lubbock Cooper Liberty’s Tookie Johnson and Jackson Funk scored 15 points for the Patriots.

The Estacado Matadors travel to San Angelo on Friday for a matchup against the Lake View Chiefs. Tip-off is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on January 17.

The Lubbock Cooper Liberty Patriots will face off against the Big Spring Steers on Friday night in Big Spring. Tip-off for that game is also at 7:30 p.m.