CONNALLY ENDS CUBS 2013-14 SEASON

The Brenham Cubs put up a tough fight, but saw their 2014 season come to an end Tuesday night in Giddings in the Bi-District playoffs.

Pflugerville Connally (23-11) held off the Cubs (21-10), 83-75.

The Cougars broke out to an early 10-point lead.  While the Cubs would repeatedly cut into that lead, they never could come all the way back.

Connally led 20-13 after the first quarter.  The Cubs cut it to a six-point deficit by the half, 36-30.

“I thought we played very well, especially our defense in the first half,” said Cubs Coach Bruce King.  “We didn’t allow them to get out and run…but they (Connally) did shoot great, hitting seven three-pointers in the half.”

In the second half, however, it was Connally that controlled the tempo, forcing the Cubs into a quicker pace.

“We didn’t want to have to go to the press against their athleticism, but we were forced to after falling behind early in the half,” said King.

“We were able get close a number of times, but just couldn’t get over that hump.  They (Connally) were a really, really good basketball team with a lot of great athletes.”

Three Cougars, Jalen Harris, DeShawn Riddick and Joseph Mitchell combined for 38 of their team’s 57 second-half points.  The trio also made 16 of their 17 second half free throws.

The Cubs were lead by JaCorey Colvin who scored 20 of his team-high 26 points in the second half.  Cjay Miles hit five three-pointers and finished with 18 points.  Senior Courtland Sutton added 13 points and Itterrian Martin had 10.

"I'm really proud of my guys.  They played their hearts out tonight...they never gave up."

The Cubs played the game without 6’5” starting guard Chase Brooks, who injured his ankle in practice this week.  Brooks was averaging nearly 10 points and six rebounds per game.  He also was second on the team in assists and led the team in blocked shots.

“Who knows,” said King.  “If Chase is in there, maybe we make up those eight points.”

Mitchell led all scorers with 27 points, while Harris had 20 and Riddick added 18.

Connally advances to the Area Playoffs where they will meet C.E. King, 53-50 winners over Little Cypress-Mauriceville.

CUBS: Colvin, 26; Miles, 18; Sutton, 13; Martin, 10; Patterson, 4; Hill, 4.

COUGARS: Mitchell, 27; Harris, 20; Riddick, 18; Jackson, 8; Shead, 6.