McALLEN — A golden opportunity presented itself to the McAllen Rowe Warriors with 6:07 remaining in Tuesday’s District 31-5A contest against Edinburg Vela.
The Sabercats’ superstar guard, Emma Lucio, had just picked up her fifth foul and was forced out of the game.
The Warriors took advantage of the shorthanded Sabercats, mounting a furious rally to erase a double-digit deficit and make it a two-point game with 20 seconds remaining.
McAllen Rowe got no closer, with Edinburg Vela guard GG Betancourt converting a free throw and following it up with a forced turnover to secure a 46-42 Sabercats victory at the McAllen Rowe Gym.
“GG is in my eyes, she’s one of our best defensive players,” Edinburg Vela head coach Lottie Zarate said. “I’m going to put her on your best player. She’s the girl I’m going to go to. Being that she is just a sophomore, I think she has grown a lot. She showed a lot last season stepping in with Lauren Vega out with an injury. I think those 30 games last year, it helped her get that experience and you saw it tonight.”
The Sabercats’ offense struggled during the fourth, converting just one field goal attempt, which came before Lucio fouled out.
Edinburg Vela’s struggles opened the door for an intense comeback attempt by the Warriors, going on a 9-0 run during the final two minutes to cut it to two. McAllen Rowe’s Yulissa Yebra was at the forefront of the rally, scoring four points while also making an impact on the defensive side.
Yebra finished with 10 points, six of which came during the second half. Sophomore point guard Alyssa Cantu led the team with 13 points.
Despite being on the bench, Lucio’s impact could still be felt on the sideline, barking out instructions to her teammates. Her sideline coaching was critical down the stretch, Zarate said, motivating and guiding the girls to victory.
“She’s a floor general and another coach on the court,” Zarate said. “During timeouts she was coaching up the girls, guiding GG (Betancourt) and telling them to look for the mismatch. It really helped. She understands the game. She’s been playing ball since she was little. It is a big benefit and a big help.”
Lucio finished with 11 points, also contributing several assists and rebounds. Senior Janai Coleman led the SaberCats with a team-high 14 points.
The victory gives Edinburg Vela a two-game advantage over McAllen Rowe in the race for first in District 31-5A, sitting at 14-0 with four games remaining. The Warriors drop to 12-2 in district.
“(McAllen Rowe) brought that playoff experience,” Zarate said. “We knew coming into their house they weren’t just going to give it away. I have to give it to them. Coach (Alex) Robles did a great job preparing his team. They’re a very scrappy and physical team. My hat goes off to them. I’m just happy we came away with the win.”
The Sabercats (24-4, 14-0) return home for a game against PSJA North (7-20, 4-10) at 6 p.m. Friday. The Warriors (20-9, 12-2) take on Sharyland High (21-9, 10-4) at 6 p.m. Friday at the Sharyland High Gym.
