Basketball Game Preview: Tucumcari Rattlers vs. Santa Rosa Lions

The Tucumcari Rattlers are taking a road trip to challenge the Santa Rosa Lions at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Tucumcari is coming into the contest hot, having won their last six games.

On Tuesday, Tucumcari didn't have too much trouble with Estancia as they won 44-30.

Cambree Benavidez

Steals

02/11/25 vs Estancia	2
02/08/25 vs Pecos	2
02/06/25 @ Clayton	2
02/01/25 vs Raton	3

Tucumcari found their leader in sophomore Cambree Benavidez, who went 7 of 14 en route to 18 points and six rebounds. Benavidez has been hot recently, having also posted two or more steals the last four times she's played. Another player making a difference was Caylee Benavidez, who posted seven points along with seven boards and three blocks.

Tucumcari smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 49 consecutive games dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, Santa Rosa was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Saturday as they fell 46-40 to Clayton.

Tucumcari pushed their record up to 17-5 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. Those victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 58.8 points over those games. As for Santa Rosa, they have been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matchups, which has put a noticeable dent in their 9-13 record this season.

Everything went Tucumcari's way against Santa Rosa when the teams last played back in January, as Tucumcari made off with a 63-39 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Tucumcari since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.