Basketball Recap: Beyer Takes a Tough Playoff Loss

Beyer and Rio Linda squared off in some playoff action on Tuesday, but Beyer had to settle for second. They were dealt a 71-31 loss at the hands of the Rio Linda Knights. While losing is never fun, the Patriots can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 578th, while the Knights are ranked 227th).

When it comes to explaining why Beyer lost, don't look at Kylie Kulina. Despite the final result, she dropped a double-double with 15 points and ten boards. That was a full 48.4% of Beyer's points, marking the third time in a row Kulina has posted more than a third of the team's points. Alana Dancer was another key player, putting up nine points and three blocks.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Rio Linda to victory, but perhaps none more so than LaRay Mitchell, who went 11-for-19 on her way to 23 points. Mitchell is also on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as she's posted one of at least 45% in the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Mariah Walton, who went 5-for-9 en route to 14 points.

Beyer has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 16-11 record this season. Rio Linda's victory was their ninth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 26-3.

Beyer does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Rio Linda, they have already played their next contest, a 41-34 win against Placer on the 20th.