The DSST: Green Valley Ranch Raptors suffered their closest defeat yet this season on Tuesday. They fell just short of Manual by a score of 55-52. It was the first time this season that DSST: Green Valley Ranch let down their fans at home.
When it comes to explaining why DSST: Green Valley Ranch lost, one person who can't be blamed is Tong Bot. Despite the final result, he dropped a double-double on 20 points and ten rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Bot has scored all season. Shalom Abioye was another key contributor, scoring six points along with seven rebounds and seven steals.
Even though they lost, DSST: Green Valley Ranch smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Manual only pulled down five offensive rebounds.
Manual's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Deshawn Fox, who scored 17 points along with seven rebounds and three blocks. Another player making a difference was Marquell Marquez, who scored 15 points.
DSST: Green Valley Ranch's defeat ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 10-3. As for Manual, they pushed their record up to 10-2 with that victory, which was their sixth straight on the road.
DSST: Green Valley Ranch will be playing in front of their home fans against Kent Denver at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Kent Denver's favor is that they have posted big point totals every time they've taken the court this season. Manual won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Stargate School at 7:30 p.m. on January 24th. Stargate School has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.
