Basketball Recap: Ayden Poteet's Big Game Can't Quite Lead West over Clifton

West was the 65-54 winner over Clifton when they last played one another back in January, but their luck changed this time around. The West Trojans took a 63-50 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Clifton Cubs on Friday.

West's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ayden Poteet, who went 6 of 14 to rack up 12 points and six rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Easton Rinewalt, who posted 14 points.

Even though they lost, West smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in eight consecutive matchups.

Clifton's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Maddox Hinojosa, who had 22 points. Another player making a difference was Ray Ochoa, who earned 15 points.

West's loss dropped their record down to 19-10. As for Clifton, the win (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 22-9.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. West will face off against Troy at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Troy will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something West surely won't give up without a fight. As for Clifton, they will look to defend their home court on Tuesday against Whitney at 6:00 p.m. One thing working in Clifton's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last three games.