LEANDER — The Hutto Hippos varsity boys basketball team split its two opening games of the Leander Glenn Tournament in dramatic fashion on Monday, Dec. 29, coming up just short in a one-point loss before responding with a narrow victory later in the day.
Hutto fell 78-77 to the host Glenn Grizzlies in its opening matchup before bouncing back with a 58-57 win over Texas Lions Academy.
Leander Glenn
The Hippos and Grizzlies were locked in a tight battle from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first quarter. Hutto went into the second quarter tied 19-19, but Glenn began to create some separation before halftime.
The Grizzlies used a 26-19 second-quarter run to take a 45-38 lead into the break, capitalizing on timely shooting and forcing Hutto into several tough possessions.
Hutto responded in the second half, chipping away at the deficit and keeping the game within reach down the stretch. Trailing 69-65 late in the fourth quarter, senior guard Malachi Hilby knocked down a clutch 3-pointer to cut the lead to one.
Moments later, senior guard Brian Caldwell provided another spark, tying the game at 71 with a three-point play. Caldwell continued his strong late-game performance, scoring three straight points on a layup and a free throw to give the Hippos a 74-72 lead.
The momentum did not last, however, as Glenn answered with timely baskets to knot the game once again at 77-77. A foul sent the Grizzlies to the freethrow line, where they converted what proved to be the decisive point.
Hutto had one final opportunity to reclaim the lead, but the lastsecond attempt fell short, sealing the onepoint loss.
Texas Lions Academy
The Hippos found themselves on the opposite side of a tight finish in their second game of the day.
Hutto trailed by as many as nine points in the third quarter, facing a 36-27 deficit, but mounted a strong comeback behind balanced scoring. Hilby, Caldwell and sophomore guard Braylon King fueled a surge that allowed the Hippos to regain control and take a 46-43 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The teams traded baskets throughout the final period, with neither side able to create much separation. Hutto’s composure at the free-throw line proved to be the difference, as the Hippos knocked down key shots in the closing moments to secure the 58-57 victory.
With the split, Hutto moved to 8-11 overall and 1-2 in district play. The Hippos will continue action in the Glenn Tournament later this week before returning home to host Round Rock on Friday, Jan. 2, at 1 p.m.
