La Cueva tops Clovis, likely ends Wildcat season

ALBUQUERQUE — Tyler Aeilts scored 31 points to lead four in double figures, and the La Cueva Bears got a little bit of revenge over Clovis with a 92-69 win to open the District 2-6A tournament Tuesday night.

Isaiah Ortega added 25 for the third-seeded Bears (16-9), who will host the winner of Tuesday's Sandia-Santa Fe contest.

The Wildcats end their regular season, and likely their overall season, at 9-17. As far as Clovis' postseason chances, Clovis coach Scott Robinson said, "It'd be slim," with the team's overall mark and 1-9 district record.

Tuesday's game was a remarkable turnaround for the Bears, who had on Saturday fallen at Rock Staubus Gymnasium by a 77-54 count.

"Saturday night in Clovis," Robinson said, "we switched ball screens and we did a good job providing weak side help, which prevented them getting into the post. Tonight, our weak side help was late. They were getting into the post, and they had clear passing lanes."

The Wildcats had three in double figures, led by Jakeem Wynn's 17 points. Jacob Moon added 13 and Brandon Romero 12 for Clovis, which couldn't climb back from a 27-15 La Cueva second period.

"It was kind of steady throughout the game," Robinson said. "It was back and forth in the first quarter (19-16 La Cueva). They shot well, which I anticipated them doing. They outdid us little by little and stretched it out to what they did."