(Roma, Texas)-It was epic! It was a night filled with plenty of whistles. It was a battle from the free-throw line. A full house of fans at Roma Gladiator Gymnasium on Friday night watched Rio Grande City (15-12, 4-1) defeat Roma (12-9, 1-4) 55-54 in District 30-5A. The win keeps the Rattlers one game behind leaders, Laredo Martin and La Joya Palmview, both 5-0.
The Rattlers led 45-37 after three periods, but the Gladiators mounted a furious comeback by outscoring the Rattlers 16-10 in the final period, falling one point short for an upset.
Both teams had their opportunities with game officials having a field day blowing their whistles. In the end, the Gladiators blew their chances at the line by converting only 19-of-41 points from the free-throw line while the Rattlers made 22 of 28 attempts at the line. “That was difference tonight. We made our free throws,” said RGC head coach Juan Aldape.
Diego Martinez led the Rattlers with 16 points while and Allen Perez scores 14 points for the Gladiators. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)