Basketball Recap: Saanvi Gunukula's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Leland over Pioneer

Leland was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their tenth straight defeat. They were three points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 56-53 heartbreaker at the hands of the Pioneer Mustangs. The matchup was a 28-28 toss-up at halftime, but the Chargers couldn't quite close it out.

Saanvi Gunukula

Rebounds (Career)

02/13/25 vs Pioneer	9
01/23/25 @ Pioneer	8
01/07/25 vs Evergreen Valley	8
12/10/24 @ Lincoln	6
12/07/24 vs Woodland Christian	6

Leland's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Saanvi Gunukula, who almost dropped a double-double with 15 points and nine boards. Those nine rebounds gave Gunukula a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Diya Boyapati, who dropped a double-double with 14 points and ten boards.

Leland's record is now 4-17. As for Pioneer, their win ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 10-12.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Leland will challenge Prospect at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Pioneer, they will square off against Leigh at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.