The Wasco Tigers's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Monday after their third straight defeat. They fell just short of McFarland by a score of 45-43. The result was an unpleasant reminder to Wasco of the 68-46 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in January.
Several Tigers players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Genesis Epinosa, who scored 12 points along with five steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Epinosa has scored all season. Illiana Villanueva was another key contributor, almost dropping a double-double on nine points and 11 rebounds.
McFarland's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jocelyn Vallejos, who scored 16 points along with eight rebounds and three steals. It was the first time this season that Vallejos scored 15 or more points. The team also got some help courtesy of Mia Samaniego, who scored 15 points along with seven rebounds and five steals.
Wasco dropped their record down to 4-21 with that defeat, which was their eighth straight at home dating back to last season. As for McFarland, their victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 7-20.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Wasco won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Taft at 6:30 p.m. on February 6th. Hopefully Taft focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 24 last Thursday. As for McFarland, they won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against Delano at 5:15 p.m. on February 6th. Delano will be up against McFarland's rather soft defense (which has allowed 57.24 points per match), so fans could be in store for a big offensive showing.