Basketball Recap: Ayden Welch's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Bruce over Houston

Bruce was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their 12th straight defeat dating back to last season. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 56-50 heartbreaker at the hands of the Houston Hilltoppers. The Trojans were probably out for revenge after losing 62-54 to them when the teams met back in November of 2023, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Bruce lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Ayden Welch, who posted ten points. What's more, Welch also racked up two assists, the most he's had since back in January. Another player making a difference was Markeevis Gladney, who scored 14 points and three steals.

Even though they lost, Bruce smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in three consecutive matches.

Houston's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Antavious Hill, who went 8 of 13 on his way to 16 points and seven rebounds. Hill continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last four games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Jaqualen Moore, who had eight points and 15 rebounds.

Bruce's loss dropped their record down to 0-9. As for Houston, they now have a winning record of 7-6.

Bruce didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 73-56 victory against Vardaman on the 16th. As for Houston, they will head out to challenge Louisville at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Houston is facing Louisville at the right time seeing as Louisville is stuck on a five-game losing streak.