(McAllen, Texas)-Before a near capacity crowd at the Teresa Casso Gymnasium at McAllen High School, the 31-5A McAllen Bulldogs (26-9, 8-2) showed why they advanced to the University Interscholastic League’s State 5A Basketball Quarterfinals last season as the Bulldogs knocked off previously undefeated McAllen Memorial (16-12, 7-1) 87-75 to inch closer to a share of the 31-5A lead. For the Mustangs, it’s their first loss in district play and McAllen HS head coach, Ryan Flores calls it “February Madness”.
The Bulldogs were hot from the get-go as they took a 26-16 lead after the first period with head coach Flores pleased with his team’s performance on Friday night at Teresa Casso Gymnasium. “I was real proud of our team tonight,” said Flores. “We can still win this title outright. Anytime you play this type of rivalry game, the emotions are always high. Tonight we played on a high.”
At the start of the second period, McHi Jaylen Chappell (6’2) dribbled and then launched a three-pointer to make it 32-27 with 6:05 left in the half. Forward Robert Canul added two more points on a jumper to make it 36-27 over the shocked Mustangs. The Bulldogs built a 47-32 halftime lead. The win for the Bulldogs was bitter sweet after losing to the cross-town rivals 74-73 on January 11th.
In the second half, the Bulldogs increased its lead to 55-34 with 5:54 left in the third period with Flores watching his team from court side. “We did an excellent job on defense,” added Flores. The final period ended with the Bulldogs still ahead missing five straight shots in one segment, ahead at one point 69-52 with 6:22 left to play, bringing fans on both sides to their feet. “It was exciting,” said Flores. “We never gave up.”
The Mustangs managed to get points on the board with ten team fouls committed by the Bulldogs on the second half. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)
