The Cholla Chargers posted their closest victory yet this season on Friday. They had just enough and edged Rincon/University out 69-67. Winning may never get old, but Cholla sure is getting used to it with their third in a row.
Cholla got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Michael Payne out in front who scored 21 points along with eight assists and two steals. Jerry Mendoza was another key contributor, scoring 15 points along with seven assists and six rebounds.
When it comes to explaining why Rincon/University lost, one person who can't be blamed is Sam O'Dowd. Despite the final result, he scored 18 points along with five rebounds and four blocks. O'Dowd is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 15 or more in the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Abel Munoz-McDaniels, who scored 11 points along with seven assists and two steals.
Even though they lost, Rincon/University smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Cholla only pulled down five offensive rebounds.
Cholla has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests, which provided a nice bump to their 11-5 record this season. As for Rincon/University, they dropped their record down to 6-12 with that defeat, which was their fourth straight at home.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Cholla will face off against Ironwood Ridge at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Ironwood Ridge is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 56.5 points per game. As for Rincon/University, they will head out on the road to challenge Cienega at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Cienega is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 68.5 points per game.
