Basketball Recap: Dove Creek's Loss Ends 11-Game Winning Streak at Home

After a string of seven wins, Dove Creek's good fortune finally ran out on Tuesday. They fell 39-31 to the Nucla Mustangs. The Bulldogs were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Mustangs earlier this season, when they won 54-31.

Despite the loss, Dove Creek still got an impressive performance from Ralynn Hickman, who almost dropped a triple-double on 20 points, 12 boards, and nine steals. Hickman's afternoon made it nine games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Taylor Hampton, who posted four points and ten rebounds.

Even though they lost, Dove Creek smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 13 offensive boards in four consecutive contests.

Leading Nucla to victory were Lantry Galley and Darcy Bray. Galley earned 11 points, while Bray had ten points in addition to six boards and five steals. What's more, Galley also racked up four assists, the most she's had since back in February of 2024. Another player making a difference was Cadence Shaw, who put up six steals.

Dove Creek's loss ended an 11-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 10-4. As for Nucla, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 12-3.

Dove Creek has already played their next matchup, a 64-25 victory against Telluride on the 1st. As for Nucla, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, a 52-18 win against Mancos on the 30th.