The Rattlers fought the whole way, but were unable to take down New Braunfels Canyon in a 69-62 loss on Friday night.
“To Canyon’s credit, they did a good job,” said San Marcos head coach Dan Miller. “They played their zone very hard, and forced us to take a lot of outside shots throughout the game. Unfortunately, we didn’t hit them at a high enough percentage to win the game.”
Friday night’s game was the last of the first round of district matchups for San Marcos, Miller hopes to help the team refocus and get back on track.
“Obviously we’re frustrated with where we’re at in district play,” said Miller. “But we just got to stay in the moment, keep the team together, and try to find a way to beat Buda Johnson on Wednesday.”
It was a defensive battle in the first, and neither San Marcos or Canyon could find answers on offense.
Canyon started the game on a 9-3 run, but San Marcos worked back behind an and-one from Donovan Riddick and a couple free throws from Josiah Hollmon.
The Rattlers trailed 12-8 after the first.
Canyon started off hot in the second quarter with back-to-back threes to give them a 10-point lead at 18-8.
After the Canyon lead reached 26-15, the Rattlers drew closer with points from Cash Good and Josiah Hollmon.
The Rattlers brought the game back to single digits after a three from Donovan Riddick made it 29-21.
A layup from Xavian Balles made it 31-23 as San Marcos went to half down eight.
After a slow start to the second half offensively for both teams, Canyon stretched the lead to 40-30 halfway through the quarter.
San Marcos worked their way back, a couple successful trips to the free throw line from Cash Good and Josiah Hollmon followed by a three from Donovan Reddick had the Rattlers within four at 42-38.
Canyon answered back with a three of their own, and a layup to end the quarter gave them a 47-40 lead entering the fourth.
San Marcos worked their way back in the fourth, and a 10-1 run capped off by a three from Hollman brought them within two at 54-52.
They weren’t able to deliver the final blow to take the lead, as Canyon did an excellent job controlling the ball, forcing the Rattlers to foul. The Cougars were excellent at the free throw line, closing the game out at the charity stripe to win 69-62.
With the loss, the Rattlers fell to 15-14 on the season, and 1-5 in district play.
San Marcos will host Buda Johnson on Wednesday to try to get moving in the right direction after four straight losses.
