PIMA, Ariz. — The No. 5-seeded Pima Roughriders will begin their 2A state tournament run Tuesday, hosting No. 12-seeded Phoenix Christian in a first-round matchup at 7 p.m. at Pima High School. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals on February 22nd against either No. 6 Fountain Hills or No. 11 Veritas Prep.
Pima (25-5) finished second in the 2A East Region and has been dominant at home, posting a 10-1 record on its home court. The Roughriders allow just 37.9 points per game, making them one of the top defensive teams in 2A.
Phoenix Christian (8-13), the sixth-place team from the 2A Central Region, enters the tournament on a three-game losing streak. The Cougars average 56.5 points per game but have struggled defensively, allowing 61.3 per contest.
Both teams have faced San Tan Charter, with Pima losing twice to the Roadrunners late in the season and Phoenix Christian falling to them 95-37 in January.
Pima will look to set the tone defensively and capitalize on home-court advantage, while Phoenix Christian will need to push the pace and find offensive rhythm to keep its season alive.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., with live coverage on KATO Radio.
