Basketball Recap: Zach Jacquez's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Centennial over Manzanola

Centennial was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were three points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 51-48 heartbreaker at the hands of the Manzanola Bobcats. The Rams were not able to make up for their defeat to the Bobcats from their previous meeting back in January of 2020.

Zach Jacquez

Steals

02/11/25 vs Manzanola	6
01/29/25 vs Cripple Creek-Victor	6
01/25/25 @ Sangre de Cristo	7

Centennial's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Zach Jacquez, who went 5 of 12 on his way to 15 points in addition to seven assists and six steals. Jacquez is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed six or more in the last three games he's played. Jose Molina was another key player, going 6 for 12 to rack up 17 points and four blocks.

Jacquez wasn't the only one working in the assist department: Centennial was working as a unit and finished the game with 12 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Manzanola only posted five assists.

Manzanola got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Dillon Pittman out in front who posted 19 points along with seven rebounds and three steals. The dominant performance gave Pittman a new career-high in points. Another player making a difference was Zane Lange, who almost dropped a double-double with ten points and nine boards.

Centennial's defeat dropped their record down to 6-10. As for Manzanola, their win ended an eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-14.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Centennial will welcome Creede at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Manzanola, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Cotopaxi at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Manzanola has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.