Basketball Recap: Demian Joyner's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Sotomayor over O'connor

Sotomayor was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were two points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 56-54 heartbreaker at the hands of the O'Connor Panthers. The WILDCATS were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Panthers earlier this season, when they won 51-40.

Sotomayor's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Demian Joyner, who went 5 of 6 on his way to 13 points and three steals. That's the most steals Joyner has posted since back in November of 2024. Another player making a difference was Michael Inweh, who posted ten points along with five rebounds and three steals.

O'Connor's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Hagen Hurst, who went 8 for 11 en route to 18 points and seven boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Evan Herrera, who scored 12 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals.

Sotomayor's loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 13-12. As for O'Connor, the victory was the seventh in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 15-10.

Sotomayor will take on Marshall at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Sotomayor is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 56.4 points per game this season. As for O'Connor, they will challenge Harlan at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Harlan's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last eight games.