Basketball Recap: Ashlynn Cortinas' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Brackenridge over Burbank

Brackenridge won a close one the last time they played, but unfortunately they suffered a serious change of fortune on Tuesday. They lost 88-63 to the Burbank Bulldogs. The Eagles were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bulldogs apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January.

Several Eagles players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Ashlynn Cortinas, who dropped a double-double on 27 points and 11 boards. Those 27 points gave Cortinas a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Sky Lopez, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Even though they lost, Brackenridge smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in six consecutive matches.

Burbank got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Zara?Nique Nealy out in front who dropped a triple-double on 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 steals. The contest was Nealy's sixth in a row with at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Makayla Carter, who went 9 of 18 on her way to 24 points in addition to eight boards and six assists.

Brackenridge's defeat was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 12-12. As for Burbank, their win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 11-10.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing Sam Houston the next time they take the court. Burbank will head out to face Sam Houston at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, while Brackenridge will host them at 10:00 a.m. on December 28th.