SAFFORD, Ariz. — Senior Cole Yentsch scored 21 points to lead Safford to its first win of the season, 70-60 over Willcox on Tuesday night.
Yentsch scored nine of his points in the fourth quarter and finished a perfect 5 of 5 from the free-throw line as the Bulldogs (1-3) outscored the Cowboys (5-4) 23-12 in the final period to secure the victory.
Freshman Trae Gaines added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Safford. Gaines scored seven points in the fourth quarter and was one of three Bulldogs to finish in double figures, along with Nick Yentsch, who scored 16 points and shot 7 of 8 from the foul line. Safford shot 13 of 15 from the free-throw line as a team.
Willcox senior Caden Hooper led all scorers with 24 points and added 10 rebounds in the loss.
Safford led 18-13 after the first quarter, but the game was tied at 32 at halftime. Willcox held a slim 48-47 advantage heading into the fourth quarter before Safford’s balanced scoring and strong free-throw shooting carried the Bulldogs to the win.
The Bulldogs will look to build on the victory as they head to Flagstaff on Dec. 12-14 to compete in the Holiday Classic.
