Basketball Recap: Safford Falls Despite Big Games from Marley Jurado and Oaklee Welchman

If Safford was riding high fresh off their 42-12 takedown of The Gregory School last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Safford Bulldogs lost 76-54 to the Sabino Sabercats on Monday. The Bulldogs were not able to make up for their defeat to the Sabercats from their previous meeting back in February of 2024.

Safford's loss came despite strong showings from Oaklee Welchman and Marley Jurado. Welchman went 7 for 10 en route to 19 points and seven boards, while Jurado went 6 of 8 on her way to 14 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals. Those seven boards gave Welchman a new career-high. Andy Lopez was another key player, putting up six points.

It was another big night for Jayda Haley, who dropped a double-double on 29 points and 11 rebounds for Sabino. Haley's evening made it three games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Chayil Combs, who went 8 of 18 on her way to 17 points and six steals.

Safford dropped their record down to 5-12 with the loss, which was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season. As for Sabino, the win was the fourth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 15-9.

Safford will take on Thatcher at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Thatcher has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. As for Sabino, they will challenge Catalina at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.