The Sunnyside Blue Devils entered their tilt with the Rincon/University Rangers with four consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with five. Sunnyside enjoyed a cozy 46-29 win over Rincon/University on Thursday. Given Sunnyside's advantage in MaxPreps' Arizona basketball rankings (they are ranked 17th, while Rincon/University is ranked 140th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
It was another big night for Nayeli Nidez-Acu?a, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 13 rebounds. Esabella Barajas was another key contributor, scoring five points along with two steals.
Despite the defeat, Rincon/University had strong showings from Daphne Safo, who dropped a double-double on ten points and 11 rebounds, and Leila O'Dowd, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 12 rebounds. That was a full 51.7% of Rincon/University's points, marking the 12th time in a row she's earned more than a third of the team's points.
Sunnyside's win was their 15th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 22-3. As for Rincon/University, they have traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 11-13 record this season.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Sunnyside will challenge Marana at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully Marana focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 22 on Thursday. Rincon/University on the road again on Tuesday and play against Tucson High Magnet School at 7:00 p.m. on January 30th. Tucson High Magnet School is coming into the matchup on a four-game losing streak.
